PAID TIME OFF

We sprinkle the poppy leaves
in with the Red and
loaded the bowl with
hopeful expectations
The music is always
Tangerine Dream
The place is always his
and the results are always
purple in my thighs
and so deep
I can hardly breathe

---

EPILOGUE(S)

The last time
he held me
sweat drenched
below him
I could feel
the never again
empty out of me
and stain
his sheets
when it dried

---

THE 2ND DAY OF MARCH

I'm tired as it
rains outside
Already it's
mixed with snow
If I were home
I'd be fetal in
heated warmth
Lazy with reading
and hot hot coffee
The gray that
tints today's mood
seeps into my joints
and emotions
and makes me miss
all the men I ever
thought that I loved
Makes me wish
for brownies and
love songs
I shut off
the phone and
close my eyes
and remember
every memory
I can embellish
with sunshine

---

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