He helps her with her blush. She’s surging red, Velvet and soft like a rose. Her mouth’s gone dry With his wind.

I came back from a mortal hell, But on my way home, I saw no white god, And I saw no golden spirit, And I saw no true son.

I’ve been waiting For years And days And all the seconds For a warm body.

Sam said, “Get over it.” As if I could Just climb a tree. Sam said,

While you were gone, My childhood dog died. I wept for both of you, And I felt like a corpse. While you were gone,

So stealthily I lead: Touching green, Seeing rocks below me. I’m gulping pride Because I know life is

I was born of the Virgin Mary, Given life to rid earth of evil. Blood on my hands, Dirt on my hands, I’m akin with Christ Himself.

I died on Tuesday. My soul floated up Above my milky corpse, And I smiled. I saw my family,

I’m silently screaming Alone in the bathroom. The tears of a sinner Won’t let my fears go. I’m suddenly drowning.

In my daydreams, I used to be an acrobat, Flying through air Into capable hands. In my dreams,

That red ribbon is so wrinkled. Rouge like blood Or rushing anger Or a blaring stop sign. It’s crumpled:

In seventh grade, I made you a po… But I tore it up into pieces Because it wasn’t good enough. In eighth grade, I made you a poe… But I left it under my bed

The stars belong to both the sun And the moon Just as my heart does belong to yo… You may not see me, but I’ll be there.

The devil’s in my midst.

Don’t cry Don’t cry Don’t cry Because it’s your birthday.