slowly

12/5/08 D'oh! This was previously published here on 1/12/05

slowly

every time i fall
in love my face flakes
off like a dead leaf fungus
freezes on the pavement
black and brown.
sit in your room listening
to music
makes us cry feel
the itch of my face
i want to reach for you
but don't.
in the mirror seems
i've shed so much you
have to know. drunk
and steady myself
one hand
before i come out.
want you to know afraid
that you'll know
run water in the sink
poke shreds
down the plug and
come back.

mattdalby
29-30nov5