Black ink,

Swirls and interweaves

Over stolen breath,

Sheens of sweat and chest pains

–

“I have since moved on”

Falls from a half-smile

For the lonely to decode

Until they’re mute and exhausted

–

“It meant nothing at all”

Lets loose lightning storms

Lifting up the burning bile

I’ve barred from my mind

–

“I am solid, I am sane”

As my legs give way

And as gravity cries out

To make a meal of my denial

–

“I am alive, I am well”

Is my weathered refrain,

A perfume mist,

Resting over a body

Left twisted in agony