beloved of shadows

stricken with a deathly pallor

found within the seams, the cracks

woven in the wrinkles of the past

horrifying the present in relentless

stabbing dreams---

 

dragging nails down the chalkboard

with hands near the candle’s flame

cleaning off the wrist with a fresh razor blade

motivating oral pleasure to the exhaust pipe

trying weights round the ankles & going for a

swim in the deepest, darkest regions of the

sea---

 

dodging the raindrops with delusion

imagining escapes that are not there or even

possible,

filling oneself with substances meant to numb

casting away the obligation of life

made harsh upon everyone of us

against all better judgement

having had no say in the matter.