a symphony of
singing crystals

the clatter of
skeletal hands
clamoring for
a momentary warmth

the world
pauses
queues up
the next
batch of
discordant
racket
the sudden
silence
lays heavy
the stillness
pressing down
downdowndown

one note
floating
sharp and
clear through
the emptiness

a pinprick of
beauty drawing
a deep crimson
blossom swelling

a faint pop

a regulation
of pressures

a resurgence of
singing crystals

broken by
the cries of a
kitten
at the door

briefly
i exist

a can of
tuna and a
bowl of
water along
with the
chainsaw
purring
of this
demonic
little fiend

a respite
from the
clamorous
skeletal hands
clattering
across the
balcony floor

i think
of her laugh
a symphony
of crystals
and feel the
returning
familiar pangs

hoping to hit
pause before it
spirals
but it’s too late