pallomino

October 2, 2024

We sit like stones in the early morning darkness, shattered glass and bloodstains telling the whole neighbourhood that the devil visited last night. He spoke your language and you translated his prophecy, something about me, me alone. He flew away with crooked owl wings and unimpressed, you tell me that no matter what, I am here.

Towers in the valley as the sea drowns the sun. You’re covered in an orange glow and I can only assume we match. We look like Phosphorus and Hesperus sitting here at the top of the world; let me hold up your torch while you sleep, firebug, I’m spitting stories of better circumstances and all you hear is no matter what, I am here.

Vultures circle us in the bitter, cold city, out-of-place, wicked. The stench of carrion hits us from the sewers and you can’t help but feel like we’re about to join them. I blow loops of smoke into your face like hypnosis, you speak melodies in tongues. Sister, our spirits build walls. Sister, I remind you that our gifts make us stronger than sanctified grounds. Our bones shine like doe eyes in the blinding winter sun and yet, all we know is no matter what, I am here.