before ashes

my heart is tight

walking through the night shadows
abandoned construction becomes ancient
crouched dinosaurs
waiting

i watch, weary

and i want to tell you
but some things are irretrievable

plastic slats flap
relentlessly against the brick building
i flinch

softer, the trees speak

my heart is tight

the excess of streetlights
could convince you
the world is ablaze

some things are irretrievable
oh God, i've abandoned you

walking steadily
caught up
waiting to walk away into the darkness
to close my eyes and not have to see

lost
into dust

in relation to plants

their curly leaf tips
and glossy skin
the morning ritual
of cleansing dew

how I empathize with you

seasoned

oh, cinnamon skin!
let me taste your pepper,
paprika
bring rosemary along
with her basil eyes.
a will for dill,
oregano has no home
but sugar,
keep speaking your spicy speech