In the Hollow of the Night

Across the chaotic roadway

At the sidewalk's edge

The glory fell like

Driven sheets

Of rain.

The scent of sour breath

And lipstick,

It's so hard to understand

And difficult to explain.

I escape elected kings

And puckered simps

In sandy streaks

Of strands of grain on top

Her ivory neck.

Outside the blackout curtains,

Strafing shreds red holes into the wounded night.

We hear our measured breath

And smell a humid lushness

Heavier than the acridity

Of gunpowder.

- 2/27/25