you are
the depth in the backdrop
the swirling dust motes in the angled lighting
the soft ascent of velvet curtains
brushing against a bare stage

as well as
the lead role

— backstage | the whole performance

why is it that you fall
head over heels in
love with basic
human decency

— we've been crushed so long, the absence of weight feels like flight.

the night
reinvigorates me

evening breath billows past my skirts
soft kisses on my ankles
pinpoints of
indigo-mauve-azure
behind whispering leaves
glass buttoned sleeves brush (clink)
against chain link fences

fast light cars

— bathe me in headlights | (not spotlights)