Sweep

The floor you walk on is smooth. There is no ground there.
Magic begins with blood. Outside, there are trees,
With concrete under their roots. But I have passed the tombs of kings,
Regaled them with pacing, checked bins for food and wrappings.
I have scoured the seas for miles, cloaked my face with ash.
My fingertips opening, accepting my time.

The dark cylinders of half-smoked cigarettes
For me, I’m your sorrow
Calling in your dreams
For me, I’m your shadow
Howling in the streets

Tomorrow, I will walk the streets
And steel myself for the familiar. Your eyes
Will not settle, a hunger. You’d be happier in your grave.
When we meet, share stories, you stretch me. I see,
I see a semi-circle of teeth.

The dark cylinders of half-smoked cigarettes
For me, I’m your sorrow
Calling in your dreams
For me, I’m your shadow
Howling in the streets