A night so cold

the sky might shatter,

leaving sharp pieces

on the streets for

gathering in the morning.

So cold, the stars

will sting as they rain,

nowhere to go but down

without a sky

to contain them.

And how would it be,

the world, with no sky

except for the piece

you hid in your pocket?

My heart, the fish,

flops, wriggles, thrashes,

threatens to swim

up my throat to leap

through my mouth,

escaping the rigid body

trying to squish it

into submission.

Slip into that pocket of darkness,

dizzying yourself with stars.

Hear your heart’s hinges snap open,

as you slide away from comfort

into the plump arms of madness.

 

Leave your day, your life, your name

shivering on your doorstep.

Move toward sweet, black freedom

on anonymity’s swift feet,

becoming a student of surrender