xvi

release, reveal, regret
bear your hands like crooked teeth
meant more than it should have
all the slurred sorries
owing it all in cigarette ash
Stupid boyfriend inpatient care
felt guilty for the broken glass
plucked like petals from pavement
next time won’t hurt the same
there will be laughter and fireworks
constant lightheadedness, constant quiet
leaving when it starts
the parades are passing, unwatched
they won’t wait for you any longer
surprised the patience held for so long
no one left to watch you kill candles
not a single memory to be made
it was easier when the sun felt softer
now the paint peels over rust
hope it was worth anything in the end