just like that
the cat's cradle wasn't as comforting as it had been
with its mobiles and plush star-covered blankets
promising endless infinity
destinies meant for the brightest beacons

just like that
i heard the cat hissing and howling into the desolate
pit of woe that became my stomach
and ******* on faded pictures of stolen youth
warm bottles of milk and honey

just like that
ribs cracked at the piercing hiss
narrowing eyes ignited with rage and fear
and skin wasn't so fragile
now holding fables of forgotten dawns and meteor showers

and just like that
i watched him fall from the 17th story
whooshing elegantly
cracking a smug grin
and narrowing his eyes to the sun's unwelcome fire