the vastness of an empty soul demystifies the Grand Canyon and shrinks the universe to microscopic molecules barely able to manipulate energy matter that doesn’t matter madder than a hare in March balance skewed undue pressure seasonal disfunction disorder ordering medication naturalization seeking citizenship in an isolation township serving only self-pity to the self-destructive – squatting, gargoyle surveyor on the job soaking in the loathing basking in the glow caused by the discontent of others opioid android locked in the void unemployed laughing at misery in mercy centers meticulously mimicking the miscreants impersonating pain seeking to blend – ostracized miser in designer jeans obscene in drag queen regalia “whiskers from under his pancake make-up” wake-up Godiva, locate the paraphernalia mammalian musculature hide the heart of a snake as she slithers across the floor searching for the perfect surfactant ….her scaly skin itches, uncomfortably tearing my lip skin in the din of her poorly lit closet – together in terror, the admission seems worth the cost lost in the sweet melody of sobbing children and clattering dishes shattered visions misgivings estrangement entangled with commitment obligations oblivion and orange peals appealing to a higher power unanswered questions hover inconsequential adding to the ozone depletion and altered climate owning blame for all the world and her problems I sit with shoulders slumped –