she held a
bundle
of tantrums against
her face
about a week
ago and it
was disguised
as strings of
sarcasm and wit,
when all she
ever felt was
ashes against
her cheeks, salt
in her eyes, and
a fire within
her heart,
burning
     burning
          burning
her soul
profoundly
within the depths
of her never-
ending
loneliness

a ladder in hand,
yet
you pushed me
down below

dyspeneic,
he kissed her
        like she
was his
                                    last breath