nosebleed
black heart
making paper mache knives
sitting on pottery thrones
cause we're the reigning water
falling from the
quilted sky

skeletons of tulips
floating in the warm, silk water
tantalizing breaths
interrupting hazy memories
of clear thoughts
refracted through curvy paths
made by hungry mornings
and sick gift wrappings
covering charcoal
lip gloss

broken glass
a moon kept behind curtains
of sorrys

let me down fast but gentle
so i might be buried in porcelain tears

twenty seven candles
unlit
on a cake
with frosting
almost as sweet
as the
girl who lost her breath
with nothing but
sugar on her lips

mute and listening.

To those who vowed to serve and protect
Those who we look up to and respect
Doing your job the right way is what we expect
So please don't put your knee on the back of our neck