crack!

tick tock on the clock

and a drumstick rimshot sounds.

“don't rhyme,” they say,

but I'm wrapped

in chains and bound

by the grace of God

I'll keep these restrictions

of my soul tethered down.

wait... slow...

close your eyes.

feel the gravy blood of your veins

glop and slop their way through your

limbs, fingers, toes.

remember the cold as you sat

wild-eyed in the dark parking lot

when you kissed that first night.

you went for more, further, deeper.

this was love, unfettered, flustered and warm.

you start undressing when

the red & blue lights like

mixed berry pie go flashing on.

“goodnight,” you say, cuffed,

like all loves that have ended before.