999 Z77

when did the time
turn into forest fires

when did carnival nights
change their wardrobe
to dance around in the day

when did my lipstick smear
on a stranger’s pillow
and what’s my kind of home

I count eight lights
and I compulsively
tuck in my shirt

when did I start to cry
in bookstores
at discarded vinyl
and why does that sound stupid

she flicked the lighter off
she’s yelling in the street
and I’m itching for a fix
so bad
I think my teeth will come out

I’ve been old
I’ve been grown

when did my wrinkles appear
when did I start to care

when can the torches go
all the hunchbacks are eating dinner

we’re staring at each other
like foreigners
and I’m kissing you
like I’ll never see you again

I wish I had grown up faster

I wish I has grown up slower

I wish I had shaved my head

you’re pulling on the rope
for true love

and I’m fighting for a rope
to pull myself up

don’t make it a radio serial
just come home
and I’ll wrap you up
and you can forget my name
if it sounds so wrong
in your throat