we push open the doors of the club
spill out onto the sidewalk.
It’s Halloween
wears a mask.
Your sister stands above us
back the night
brother’s at the phone
down the street
lying on the cold concrete
I’m trying to hold you close
you keep pushing me away.
Your arms flail, hit my face
lips are blue
eyes black
bruises on pale skin.
Monsters press against us
I’ll protect you, here,
you safe, here,
when you finally stop shaking
I try to kiss life back into you
and again and again
lips cold like the night
eyes empty pools
reflect the light.
They take you away draped
white linens and it begins
rain, the streets fill with water
one sees you but me.
Your eyes, scared, pleading,
for forgiveness.
Rising from their bed of death
jump into the streets
water closing over
