171. Halloween (two).

I.
Much of it is unexpected.
The number of people circling
the park this early.


II.
The mysterious appearance of
a hole in the breast
of your favorite sweater.


III.
None of this is satisfying.
Stay late at work and that is good enough.
Draw until fingers go numb
and hair is halfway down your back.

Something in this would make him proud.
You are not far enough away, yet.


IV.
You begin to feel sick
again. Repeat:
This is not last autumn, this is not last autumn.
This is not last autumn.


V.
He wants something from you.
What? Less discernible.
You do not find out until after,
if they loved you.


VI.
A tree on the page turns red.
This is your fault.
This is always your fault.


VII.
Forget feelings. Sometimes all a person wants
to do is go home and wash their clothes
and not think about
anyone.