• the suggestion made by an unkempt bed
    the absence of prolonged sighs;
    and the sound of footsteps
    is chilling.
    civilization creeps in the window
    along with a stuttering breeze
    tab sifting the ashes
    caress me, hold me, do not leave me

    clothing graciously tossed at my feet
    staring at the ocean green carpet—
    head on knees;
    tab heart on floor.
    where do we start picking up the pieces
    certainly not at this intermission
    as the car door closed
    and engine started
    seems the game is already done
    but there are no winners
    there are no champions
    only bodies driving and falling away.