sun stayed close
today
I thrive on the first
day of the year
I can wear shorts outside
though it came a bit early this year
& I won't cross my fingers
for it to stay

the front porch step
offers little else than the
neighbor
trash-talking
on the other neighbors

everywhere I go at least
one more person
has lost the power to love

I should start making fliers
spread a little hope

but I'm no good with promises
& the cigarette butts she
flicks on my lawn
make me love her a lot less
too

these apartments are
non-smoking

none of us follow the rules here

I let the sun bake my bare legs
a bit more
the babe is trying to eat
dead leaves

I wonder where you
really are

& when you're coming home