a blackened lung heaves breath
a broken mind reflects
a wagging tongue cries out
a rolling eye drifts roundabout
the stifled gasp the strangled shout
and powder skin all slick with sweat

the murmurs in the dark,
attentive ears pricked up with doubt
tender hands pressing warm flannels
onto vacant brows

the last words over and over
is this the last? is this your last?
eyes half shut you slip into the past
and then
eyes laid out in glazy glass


i didn't see you leave just
one more moment
please