magpie #216

for Magpie Tales.

I am frightened by the oceans in my heart,

the tides pushing my blood

in frantic red channels

and the crisp moon 

defying its orbit in my belly -

dripping pretty paragraphs.

A parade of souls traipses through,

stirring up the ash & soot

collecting in the folds

of my paper lungs.

Puddles of glass

intermingle with

black earth.

Mutely, I gasp,

tasting the cold air,

and cross my fingers you'll stay

in spite of the chill.