cannot steal a smile. Narrow
slits that fit awry I cannot pry open
to a cornflower sky, the grass
an emerald hue, a pair of doves

all snug that coo. Cold as Christmas
in the summer, beat on me like
a Timpani drummer. The color drained
like ***** bath water. But left a stain

like the chickens slaughtered. No glint,
even small as a cigarette. I've not seen the
lashes wet. Steely as an elevator door. I press
the buttons. But cannot find my floor.