lights shining down a dim hallway
illuminate the ghostly remains of
you—
still slinking about within
the deep recesses of my mind.

inhale,
clutch you tightly within my lungs
[I cannot bear to release you hastily,
for your appearances are far too rare,
our memories much too few].

the scent of musk & former ardor
lingers in my nostrils;
flashbacks of sweat & bourbon
radiate in my temples,
throb in my chest.

I pause:
distant cackling replaces
your former fervent whispers
as my true recollections reveal themselves
out of the darkness—

memories of torment
& deception
& vices asphyxiate me;
blood begins to seep
from scarred over wounds

& I remember
why you are
but a ghost.


*exhale.