Choked today on blank Tudor boldness as broken neighbours sucked through the
seams of the %#@! they build with ostentatious walls. Smoked today, fifth time
since 1988, with kids I knew through springs, then again in falls, but they're

not kids at all. And then it came-our world in my chest-set up by your silent
residue in my room, then in my car. But for today, too late. Some business I
guessed. No cancellation, as if I knew how busy you are. To know a love like

subtle brios, eclipsed crescendos, some swallowed whole. Like things I have to
look at: red hair and Rothkos, as if the angels just have to show. In fairness
to you I must revise this romance to rust, trade in this stash for cash, trade

in these goods for ash. In fairness to you I will stare the paint right off this
sill, beat down the floor with my feet 'till you and I have time to be still.