1
she dreams of death
in the morning
plain underwear
bare mattress
pillow without
a case
fetal position
her spinal column
pronounced
downstairs
rose in a thin vase
old creaky house
dark wood
table with
a missing leg
limp edge propped
on the windowsill
~the dust can~
~communicate~
dawnlight
falls on plants and other
living-dying
things
2
his teeth
marks
the shadow of
unrest
pushing
himself
to be
conquered
or else
to find
his own
victory
only to be
summarily
thrown
away
3
bruh...
It's so hard
to be my friend
for anyone.
It's so difficult
to stay
close.
How's my 2020 been? Jesus...
I've been unemployed since March.
I stole a lot of food.
I've been going to the library and
playing video games and
keeping my head down and
staying quiet.
Which is all I've done
for about 3 years now
where I've been lifeing.
I've been tired.
How are you?
(weak smile)
(forced)
...how are you
4
reading writing
and creating
in plain sight
bare naked
it's no secret
now he wonders
if the ghost of her still bothers
reading over his shoulder
(I'm not getting into any trouble
just by standing here and listening
--
why would I throw myself
into the fire)
she plays it over
and over again
in her spirit-hollow-mind
over and over
and for me,
I guess
I must
admit
that I miss
the me
that I was
when you
were here
October, 2020