the sun sets behind you; look -
a shadow falls and your arms drop.
two hundred yards and jagged peaks sneak
ever closer to your outlined shape
the death, my dear. its teeth filed.

red dirt and footsteps swallowed
by a greedy road, the endless snake
like you, my dear. blind as you.

you were bared on that path,
a distraction, toes dug in the soil.
i cry when i see knotted hair, torn dresses, you
cocking an ear at birds crooning ahead
one round for tomorrow the past.

all my lovers have blue eyes.

mud-people writhe before lying skies
i cannot think when my body’s this loud
there is dust in my eyes, sepia hair
blown around, blinds for the dusky haze.
one round for the dice; turn me into the wind.

i don’t know how to show you this colour, my dear.
this haphazard orange. this murky glow, teeth bared.

not quite a sundown, not quite a day. less gray.