"Woman with Snail"
by Salvador Dali

Favorite food - "Escargot," she wrote,
Thinking to intrigue those unfamiliar with its dense flavor
Remembering the smooth, sharp bite of garlic;
An aphrodisiac for sure!
But Dali knew better.
The snail perched on the woman's belly oozed its potent liquid over her pliant form;
No splintery bones here to alert her of the danger!
Only the imperceptible movement of the snail across her body.

What draws us to love's nailed tongue?
What convinces us of the pleasures of pain?
Where are our whorls of protective covering
Defending the rich texture and taste of our hearts?