there we were
in the bloodshot sky
where crystal stars
helped us bide the time
and crimson rivers
dried under my sleeve
I made the promise not to spill them
on the world
again
it was as if you ****** all
the cold and dark
from my skin
gave it back to the universe
because she wears it far prettier
than I

the carousel finds light
in the trite
the old and the good company
the worn horses where we got sick
and every spin since is vertigo

when we were here last it was as if
a newborn crawled from my cautious skin
and I was pure again, with you
cotton candy smile to rot the core of me

fate, a stout devil, missing teeth
killer queen grin
flips the switch and then
I am here alone
with the chewing gum pavement
and your last dollar for the skill crane

if only we could be beautiful,
and childlike again
wrapped up in all the things
mothers warn their little ones of