relation between fade & gain
is much the same

it's change

a fear that leaving your name
with the leaves
will leave me to feel deranged

all is black
reflecting nothing vital

squeezing a sponge  
for the last drop
of its golden mold

I keep asking
so you'll tell me I already know

the dozing sky reflected
on the back of this winding serpent
though it is evening
i travel with lights off
there is a wetness,
a presence,
an iridescent indigo
it makes me cry
for so long i've been following it
away from home
to anywhere but

going slower now
glancing into lit windows
houses full of souls i'll never know
missing each one more than the next

heat lets you drip into the backdrop
without notice
and melt into thick liquid air
alone

coldness knows its importance
a nurturing slap in the face
a playful bite whispers,
"wake up"

layers can always be added
but you cannot take off your skin

swig some water
a wish comes to drown in a cup
that thick esophagus
has found an acquaintance
a burrowing burn is now at home
slow
persistent
a worm through a dirt hole

fine with fair weather friends
content as a loner
the donor of awkward moments

but at 3 in the morning
when thoughts carve tunnels
through my skull
all that is real is a feeling,
an urge
to ask him how he's been