paper wallz

these wallz are thin like paper, love.

we all hear your drunken wailing.

sided with eternal tears,

and an icey gin on rocks.

the crying's unmistakable,

be glad only I was awake.

I sympathize with your emotions,

yet you've given me new fear.

Your sob possessed my heart and darkened my day.

Maybe it's the laid-off job,

or your daughter's declining grades.

Perhaps the overdue bills,

or the dog that never quiets.

Nonetheless you hold it all back,

but when you have four too many

all can hear through these paper wallz.

I sleep tonight with my pocketknife in my palm.