Powdery white
It falls upward
Into my nose

Flashbulbs pop
A lacy scarf
Hides the bruises

Against the bathroom wall
Your wife finds us
Soap Opera life

Gold ring
Slips from finger
Into pocket

Duck taped lips
Bloody twine
I cling to my skirt

Bound and gagged
I miss my clothes

Town of trash
Tiny child
Without a heartbeat

Eager thrusts
Disturb my peace
Hip opener

Bitter and putrid
It sprays my throat
I refuse to gag

Years later
Remembering your warmth
I toss and turn

Smoke rising
Stars Twinkling
Cigarette butt in the snow

Bombs fall
Shadows against
A cloudless sky

Dark alley
Raindrops carry away
Blood and tears

Rose petals
Dust your grave
Before flowers bloom

Wind blows
Chapped hands struggle
to strike a match

Handprint on the wall
Quietly fades
As sweat dries

A coin drops
Among hurried footsteps
Toothless smile

Ice cream melts
Around a carved heron
Sacred garden

Naked
She smokes
And reads the headlines

Tequila sunrise
Smoke clears the air
Before we kiss

Beyond leafless branches
Cars pass
Unheard