My skin stretches into
the catacombs of California

My eyes, they watch,
over the plains of Missouri

America, where are you—
My lips are locked
with my memory of Connecticut—

North Las Vegas, 2018

there are times
where i want to strangle you;
watch the life leave your eyes
my reflection their final showing

there are times
where i want to worship you;
witness you upon the stage
our love flourished yet aged

there are times
where i see your blood on me;
a negative seeping crimson elixir
that i wipe away from my eyes

there are times
that i remember its all in my head;
i feel your blade enter me
and its you not me wielding it—