The Configuration of the Hiccup

A malicious jest is
the inevitability of autumn
like she is following
advanced protocols
the rest of us
are not privy to.

Leith

She asked me if I wanted another beer and I indicated that I didn't, but without much enthusiasm. The tremor of hysteria in her voice was impossible to ignore. And yet we would both ignore it; we were actors playing out the roles of two people who were fond of one another.

She Hated the Tentative, Boyish Way he would Vie for her Affections

We were sitting on the North pier. Men were sanding the deck of a boat. I was watching the shimmering patterns of the water. A woman was walking her dog on the beach. Middle aged and elderly people were sitting around us, also waiting for the boat. A couple walked by. We had spoken to them last night in the bar. I waved and called out to them. I think they didn't notice us. Or possibly they just ignored us but that seemed out of character.
"Most people don't appreciate what they've got. They don't appreciate what's at hand," a woman on the bench beside us was saying. It was warm and sunny with a light breeze. Liebe yawned. I liked this sound. The breeze rippled the patterns of the water. I asked Liebe if her head still hurt. She didn't understand. Then she understood and said that her head was better now. Then she made some nonsensical sounds as she was wont to do in those days. She put her sunglasses on and began singing. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. And then the breeze. Sometimes I felt as if I hated everyone. Then, other times, a more amiable disposition would come over me.

An Alien Heat

Yesterday's heat
was absolutely
fucking stifling.
A sick
jungle heat.
An alien heat.
Birds
screeching in pain. Skies
all swollen
grey.

I had to go out
to buy cold beer
from the store. I
had to look people
in the eye and
they knew
I was sick and lonely and confused.

Scaffolding Dismantled

An undeniable implosion
A cherished odour stolen
by immature whims
and a drastic ennui