999 Z70

see a black light
sprayed against the wall
the bulb, dirty
causing the light to freckle
and falter

put the light to a bird
held in your hands
see if it looks any different
or maybe the feathers
the beak
they’re just like you imagined

put the torch down against the stone
carried for too long
the ember flares
if a gentle wind blows
if you’re around

take the bandages off
to the beat of your feet

and no
like it’s said
I’m just hurt

a hollow night undid
a night full of orange

when you pick up your next bird
I hope he looks like me
I hope you understand
what you said
what it meant

I guess I’ll never know