Make conversation until it hurts
because you won't let him go.
Exchange your pleasures for pain.
What do life or death matter
when you are surrounded by light?

Fill the remnants of your broken soul
with trash tv and sad songs so you
don't have to feel the emptiness
that lies where he, his body still warm
from the morning sun, spilled
drink and the secrets of his soul.

And the guilt consumes her
like a wool blanket on a hot night.
Indulgence tastes bittersweet on the tongue.
Drink up as you learn to breathe deeply.
He says letting go is easy, if only she’d try.
She says she never was a very good student.

Walking in the woods praying                                                                                                      
to the heavens above for a clear mind,                                                                                  
some spirit. Glass pierces skin, rush                                                                                          
of blood. Euphoria.                                                                                                                  
The body is numb. Mind is sharp,                                                                                  
shattered. Rubbing alcohol for the wound                                                                            
and a shot of whiskey to send him to sleep.

She’ll drown
him out.
Dancing queen.

My earliest memories of you
are leaving to work somewhere else
and coming home again, drunk.
Passing out in the bathtub, fully
clothed and mom screaming. Drink
to your hearts content. We’re not fools.
Cherubs in witches hats, candy,
and cartoon characters knocking down
the door. Finally, our cries are heard
and ‘round the neighborhood we go.
Rosy cheeks and toothy grins we are
oblivious. Later, still superheroes
eating candy still not separated,
you hulk smash the door and swoop
us into the air. Your breath smells of hops
and chewing gum. One look at mom,
who’s long given up screaming (much)
and my baby-faced brother and I know
bedtime is coming early tonight. Time for
toothbrushes, teddy bears and silence
strong enough to shatter glass.

Rain splashes concrete
Their hearts beat contentedly
Please, stay a while.