Tobacco dust in an otherwise
empty pocket,
thankful for the makings
I roll a Barlinnie smoke

these small mercies
in an unjust living
give strength even to
the unwilling.

What if we never recover
what if
it's all over?

someone puts a coin in the
Wurlitzer and Elvis sings,
Heartbreak Hotel.

Candles burn out,

               Eventually.

Love is what we feel when we experience the beauty of our world.
Being in love is experiencing its beauty together.
Loneliness is wishing for both yet feeling neither.