he jokes about winter
as i fumble with my lighter,
startled by how quickly the room
has grown smaller, the dimensions
bleeding into themselves and
onto my hands.

i smoke to forget what it is i just
said and worry that it doesn't work
the same for everyone.

but will you remember me in the morning.

yes & yes & yes and then i'm on my feet
again, searching for an exit, locked into
the gaze of a stranger turned friend who
has found me out more than anyone ever has.

i'm empty.

looking for a cooler, for a beer, for a reason
for having been here and so very near

to him.

i smell him i am him i am everyone who has ever
been
this close to teetering off of an edge
too high to reach, too low to close in.

is somebody calling me, have they forgotten me
am i so hollow as this.

he puts his lips to my eyes, brings me back
again. i'm so foolish

for ever believing anything anyone has ever said
to me.

myself
especially.

03/04/2004

Posted on 03/05/2004
Copyright © 2025 Olivia Weinkein