like homework on the last day of school
i ripped little pieces of my life
and sprinkled them on
the bonfire cake
that was my sullen future

i remember the way
you looked at me
in court that day
as if to say,

“do you imagine it some other way?”
and the answer was no
but you should’ve known
that you left me with no
when you said yes to yourself

bowie died
and my best friends died
and you effectually died
and my hands were tied

so now i do this waltz with life
i pay bills and check boxes
and my pillow only knows
melatonin, and thoughts of you.