P-a-L-O-M-I-n-E

Quick to cry, nothing left
No fountains rise, no rivulets
No, «One last thing…», or «See you then.»
Unwind the scarf from around your neck
Turn to climb the catwalk rise
The switchback to the other side
Cars whir under the overpass
A nosebleed for no reason
Hey there, pal, oh, pal-o-mine
If you followed my advice
You’re winding up the onramp rise
Fast approaching the overpass
You see me standing at the crest
Through the glass, a heavy silhouette;
Shoulders dropped, hips cocked
But I was only bleeding
How could you know that I was only bleeding?
I know, I know, I know
I know that it is only a pinprick
I know that I barely broke the skin
The tenderness of these wolves
So curious
That’s why we’re always letting them in
To thrash our well appointed rooms
You know, I’d do it again
For the thrill of these crystalline peaks
I’m gasping your wilderness in
Switched back to the other side
Scarf trailing behind
The scheming briars, the would-be snags
Unraveled it all through my hands
You’re polishing portholes in the glass
With the cuff of your sleeve;
Coffe cold, a thermos cup
Shame is cooling on your cheeks
Yes the rivulets did rise
And as they arced into the light
Frozen, twisted, splintering
A hush of 'ticks' and 'pings'