torn

the sheltering sky is torn

the hardwood floor braces my naked form

empty rooms echo

as i knock over another empty can of beer

which outline my body like chalk at a murder scene

 

midnight is not serene

sirens serenade the night

one neighbor screams at the one he loves

another blares an angry rapper

while i look for a raven to quote me nevermore

 

many years ago

i thought midnight mattered

at least i had a belief

now i’m just a talking head

while the world runs on the remains of dinosaurs

 

all things are relevant

if you believe them to be

but i am a nonbeliever

who needs to go to the bathroom

and wonders if anyone delivers pizza this late at night

 

it’s late

i could just sleep or stay awake

it doesn’t matter

i could just die or live

it doesn’t matter

 

i have a coupon for a dairy queen blizzard

that matters

but i can add to the list of things i don’t believe

as i don’t believe they will serve me if i’m naked

but existentialism is a wound that makes it hard to move

 

to put on clothes

and exit onto late night streets

like a bowel movement that expels all that is inside

but i can no longer hide

in a system of beliefs

 

and in the company of believers

and the water that finds its own level

i loved God and hated the devil

but now the prince of darkness

is the only one here holding my hand

 

in a dry and arid land

where only those in exile gather

but why work myself into a lather?

jeans, shirt, shoes, wallet and coupon

and i will redeem the irredeemable night

 

but first i really have to go bathroom…

 

***