i've got a thirst but an empty well - 

you're an ocean in a glass;

the big drink. 

a blinking beacon in the blackness,

my regular gets smashed to pieces

on the rocks. 

colossal waves, we gasp for breath -

our briney bodies sparkling

like bubbles in a highball.

i'll suck the failure from your salty shoulder

and swallow it whole,

a golden coin 

that will sleep safely, soundly

on the dusty sea floor 

in a big blackout box 

below my tongue, your scars

above my head, our stars

and the moon on a peeling label 

my Poseidon, King of the Deep -

king of the deeper, deeper,

please 

the tide rises in you and falls, crashing 

all around my thighs 

another round, my prize?

You picture dead bodies like porcelain dolls in neat rows, but final death throes are ugly.

She vomited black like coffee grounds in her final days, they'll

label it neglect in transparent italic whispers tucked in between the lillies.

Life support pulled in the in-between hours of night and day in

an empty room, who held the plug while she drifted away?

Death is estranged daughters punching white walls in wake of words they can no longer say

(Think I broke my pinky, but it don't look broke)

it's hospital security standing in on family confrontations,

teeth at necks and blame being used as blunt force trauma.

And they'll argue about how the body will lay, "she wanted cremation" and

"convenient that's the cheapest way to go."

When the sun sets they'll apologize and wish to the younger eyes

that they didn't have to see the ugly bits and

the funeral home will push them out in the end because ugly as it is, some things

wear more haggard faces than death.

(alphabet challenge)

After belief

comes decision.

Each faith granted

holds inside just

kindled light,

meaning, new open

possibilities.

Quenched

resurrection

springs to

undaunted

Vivacity

With ecstasy's

Zenith

I never went to Rome,

Never ate a baguette

On a street corner, far from home.

I never watched the sunrise

With my feet in the sand,

I never raised my head to rainy skies.

I sat alone inside, paid my bills

And ate Ramen and canned peas

While my friends all headed to the hills.

There wasn't enough time,

There wasn't enough money,

I never spent a dime

More than I ever needed to.

Now it's almost over,

My hair is gray, I have one pair of shoes.

I saved it all, I stayed at home,

Where it was comfortable-

And I missed out on Rome.

I once lived on a street they call Highland,

With more cars and more smog than in Thailand.

The neighbors, they all moved

Their credit pre-approved

But I said screw that this is my land!

Too bright, an endless daylight

Sweating beyond all reason

All I do is burn

Give me falling leaves, a cool breeze

Keep your hazy crazy season

For autumn I yearn

A lightbulb baloon

greening in dew

formed flower dancers

and tree preachers

those were my best teachers

in the summer.