I visited the beach today
the sun was warm
then hot
then scorching

the sun left his mark on me
the way many men have

I visited the beach today
the water was frigid
then cold
then cool

she is the kinder of the two
allowing herself to change around me

we have applied these gendered pronouns to nonhuman forces
through gender we have shaped our understanding of these forces that are truly beyond our understanding.

the sea goes on
the sun lives on
and I am burned and cooled
all in a day

i weave among the corpses
some return to dust
others (those a'cursed with wealth)
remain in steadfast boxes
left to rot without the help of worms

i pause in front of tomb
that appears to my young eyes, ancient
balancing the rickety frame against my thighs
i attempt to pull my phone from
the recesses of my backpack

"No," He croons. "Let the dead sleep."

i walk back to the main road
all the while wondering
if festered flesh may dream.

hearing the word
         nails iron spikes
                          through hope's chest

                                                         - CANCER