Luke Hankins

Blood

I’ve drawn blood from others, in my childhood, even friends and kin— slit the heavy garment of skin or split sinus caves with the hard hammer of my fist. Very young, I cried if my sister hurt herself. Later, her hot blood slicked my hammering hand— that hurt was, more than hers, my own. And […]

Luke Hankins

Hedonist’s Prayer

I was in love with my own ruin, in love with decay. . . . —Augustine, Confessions Our Father in heaven, hallowed be the natural man here below. Lead me in the path of pleasure. May my will be done and make of earth a heaven. Upon my instincts I meditate day and night, I study […]