so
the brightest flick of flint
sits now in the past,
darkness swallows the beauty
i passed by with worry lines
etched deep in my palms
flame dies out
the taste of kerosene
on my wrist
delicious
poisonous
broken lighter in my pocket
kiss your neck
remembering what it is to be
Intimate.

Brother, Sister, Lover,
Muse,
I miss you
cling onto the tendrils of memory
lined with late night laughter
late afternoon coffee
late morning mumble
scratch brain for excuse
i'm late to work again
worth it for taking my time
with you

charcoal smears across body
single hair wrapped round knuckle
folly fall through my fingertips
quickly
cant stand against failing gravity
skin my scabby knees
leave traces of me on the pavement
dig my way to your core
breathe in the crust and magma
forge myself a new armour

find you in between pages of
halted poetry
staggered breath taken step by step up
Escher's staircase
only to retrace your shadow
sneakers painted yellow
nodding t'ward lighter walkings
sing out your mortality,
whistle grass
summon birdy
tilt my head toward the sky
with your wonder
magic slips outta my fingertips
deck of cards, cut and decorated
sleight of hand, eat your cake,
i'll never forget the delicacy with which
you showed me your talent
you make magic out of nothing

i stand in awe.