When the words left my mouth
Like birds from darkened tree holes
Feathers did not flutter with gaiety and relief
Lilting on the winds of new love
Into an expectant morning sunlight
But fell heavily down upon the charred forest floor
Frying in the light, oozing a sickly black tar
That reeked of lies and costume plastic
As if it were the melted remnants
Of the mask I tried to wear
When I choked on the smoke of my past mistakes
And exhaled it into her face.