Stiff coagulant limbs
unknown
to the capabilities
of a terminal pulse with a grim,
unfortunate smile
that screams “I miss you”
or utters “come in”
or whispers “I loved you” while
flailing their arms to hide
the shadows that creep
onto the tip of their spine
to meet its bride
with a purple face
full of triumph without disdain
with delicate limbs
willing to brace
for the impact crashing through
the joints and bones and flesh
floating like confetti
at the sound of a coo
called deceit.