Talking to myself
blackbirds aren't listening well
ribbons are running red
smoke pours from nostrils

fire spewing with each breathe
afraid it'll be the last
fingernails peeling back maple
bleeding, though curious what's underneath

Now the clock is striking 13
It seems to have forgotten to count
liquid courage to say I love you
to say I hate you

skies all around grow with animosity
blazing blue, the ever watchful eye
flesh on flesh, the stink
fateful impulses bearing child