1446

sometimes “ when

the night warms and

all the music dies

fading one stereo

at a time

and all there is to hear

and smell and see

just the buzz of light

just the buzz of navy skies

and cornflower blue eyes

I collapse

I collapse

I collapse

like a coffee table black hole

swimming in magazines

coffee and that

inhuman second chance

small talk”

“

“

sometimes “ I think

what would happen

if you whispered in my ear

if you said

I don’t know how to be alive

and I think what would happen

my heart explodes

I taste oil in my mouth

I think if I were religious

it’d be the second coming

I’m alone

my arms are hot breath

my heart explodes

I kiss your cheeks

I see motor oil and lipstick

I say

I don’t know how to be alive”

“

“

sometimes “

I don’t know what anything means

My chest is a humidifier

I grew up weak

I’m still so scared

My heart explodes

I see you through

the porch window

I don’t know what beauty is

I think your lips are perfect

I like when you look at me

I like the way you looked

when you looked at me

I’m not dying

I don’t understand silence

My heart explodes

my fingers are oil”