This is different and brilliant. I like the thoughts here, the words are deep and makes one think. Excellent imagery you created here Maple(:
This is awesome!!!

Your title had me wondering here...first thought was..is it related to the movie Chicago? but I dismissed that one...second thought..did she live there once...I'm really not sure..you have left meguessing already :)

This is quite a dark read from you Andrea and...you have left me pondering about the whole poem which I like to do....probably will read this again to see if I can dig deeper into it. For the moment...a couple of things for you to consider...

I ponder thoughts of collaboration
with a hush, hush spirit,
but the words pooled
scarlet from the nape of
my neck, down the spine
of endless travels,
ending in a swarm
of tears.

^^^ you use pooled and ending in this stanza so I thing ponder should be pondered?

Does the insecure truly
know the nature of thoughts?

^^^
I'm not sure but this question seems a little odd....maybe it should be Do the insecure truly know the nature of thoughts?

A talented hand holding a feather
blade, can summon emotions
far and wide, until the pupil
dilates from fear of being
exposed.

Each word I read, leaves me naked
in the thoughts of my very own

The rest of it gave me chills if I'm being honest but....it was an intriguing and enjoyable read.

I find myself reading this and thinking "What possessed her to write such a dark piece", the emotion and the whole essence gave me chills, made me feel all cold and such a contrast from the piece I have just read from you, you have this way of writing anything and still bringing out emotion in me, still making me open my mouth and gasp at every damn line.

I am feeling so blessed to be able to read such awesome pieces of poetry from such awesome people and again, I love it!

Mwah.
Hugs
and love

xxx