as a kid
there's nothing
like wasting away inside a tiny
room
sitting on the backrest
of the couch
looking out the window
and seeing her
tread through the rain

a red umbrella covers
her.

Mother

she's going back
to the liquor store

"I'm an open book"
She says

Written in
code.

Strangeness is what's still keeping me alive
And making me happy.