INTO THE FIRE

Is the world going to end if I decide to exit without a trace? I want to go
into the fire soaked in fuel. My ashes will kiss the sky, the clouds, and
the wind. I want to stain the world with charcoal love. I want my scent
to fill up the nostrils of the world. Is the world going to miss little old me?
I have no interest in people who meddle into my affairs. I don't seek
treatment, but release. I cannot allow my pain to consume me. I'd like
to beat it to the punch and end it all in one quick burst of flames.

 

FOOD, DRUGS, AND SHELTER

I just wanted something to eat, perhaps something for the head. I just
wanted a place to rest my tired bones for the night. I have been walking for days in
search of something that I have been looking for. I'll know it when I see it. Don't
ask me to remember what it is. The food is all right. But my taste buds have
been shot full of medications. I can't savor anything. Saliva drips nonstop.
I can't seem to find my crack pipe around here. I suppose no one will confess
to taking it. I couldn't sleep a wink last night after I was told I was to be held
here for three days. I wonder what person is normal. It would drive me mad
being normal. I feel so bloated. I can't wait to get out of this place.

 

MORNING OF CROWS

Startled by the noise
up in the pepper tree:
I look out the window
and see the black crows
ripping their song
through the cool morning air.
I feel as if their vocal
cords will tear like linen.
I almost feel like tearing
them apart with my own hands.
After five minutes
it sounds like a broken record
and I smile. Can they keep up
this ugly song? Now I'm amazed.
I listen to their madsong.
It rings inside my ears.
Dogs begin to bark.
Songbirds are drowned out
by the song of the crows.
This cool morning, the sky
begins to weep: light rain,
and the black crows sing on.

 

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