my shadow darkens as i eat the memories of Tampa Bay conventioneers

pure reason is bloodless

give me

that walking hemorrhage

there--kissing,

centering her face with both hands, 

easy, man, easy.

delicate

on cheeks

this is classic 
antique store public display

draped with plastic berries

but super-authentic hay

she might be an angular Picasso

in the flattering promenade light

tooth and clout of a mountain face

weapon of choice

an ebony knife

  

reality is that I constructed

grief in her eyes

while crafting 

next year's Christmas message:

deceased spider monkeys

distended by heat,

burst forth

pink grey miniature

viscera, doubling

the sunset palette

intestines, in cursive crumb-

caked with mud

spell out two little Instagram wishes:

For happiness now

For a world without end.