you’re straying behind, peppermint tongue
ocean head with eyes like the dirt you press into your palms
disturbing your blood cells from sleep
I knew you once before
I can know you again
summer of youth
summer of wine
being wept into the sweating of an IV
veins of sugar cubes and coca-cola bottles
the dead horse kicks twice
to let you know
to let you know
It’s moved on to grander things

Motion for the jury to bite your nails off for you, peppermint tongue
any answer you can give me
I assure you I’ve heard before
what a strange layout
to be the one to beckon you
from the hazy dream
of being nothing
but a candied sweet
found excessively in
chewing gum