standing in the
exit
that leads to my rooftop
door slightly ajar
there is a tornado
of wind and snow and
smoke from little
chimneys
twisting in the skies

one brave *******
of a bird
flies
through it

i am drinking chai tea
smoking a cigarette
wearing
fluffy tiger-printed
slippers
sirens wail
tires screech
off the highway
this early morning
and i am warm

this life is but a loan
what remains
is to care for it
as our own
until time calls back
its due date