Devil's downstairs
at the neighbors
lil'
hole in the wall.

We're just sitting
ducks
in a government funded
housing pond.

& I'm too afraid
to sleep.
In my own slum.

Thank you, for ruining my life.

Sated,
sometimes full,
tempestuous and raw; we shone,
howling at the moon (and one another).

Prettier with
candlelight and my reflection in your eyes,
you held me tight,
I threw back my head and screamed your name--
but I never meant it
until you walked away;

I never loved you more
than when your back was turned.

Now breathing in
early morning air and ash,
sifting through yesterday
with lyrics and a fine-toothed comb--

trying to remember
if you were ever beautiful,
other than metaphorically.