My friend's mom said I glow anemic

look, I don't like my moon-face either

but at least I'm not

Relentlessly burning immortal

at least I know

I'm paper or wax or something

fading slowly instead of

all at once.



I feel dizzy weaving in and out of

leather hands

and I promised myself I would never let my

tongue crack

(it is but)

I can't really help that

or being told

by people who say I look classic

they can see what I'll look like

in 35 years

also boiling

while my rouged face drops to the floor.



If I squint I can see my cheekbones

they make me look pretty

because they remind me of my skeleton

who is waiting nicely like a guest

white on the porch at midnight

I'll let it in

(when I'm ready).