Again

When the east wind blows, it pushes the past before it

The days and years on the shoulders of Vulturnus

Time collapsing,

A pop-up book slammed shut.

The house was clogged with grief and rage

Cold spots and dust 

Windows painted shut

Pink roses and figs and 1928

The grime of modernity on it all.

And here she comes, running up the block

An imp, a brownie

She sparkles and glistens with energy, charisma

And buries me in attention

She’s Elizabeth.

It’s our neverending summer

The Monkees NKOTB Nirvana 

Wilson Phillips Simon & Garfunkel The Doors

The golden hour forever, the light just like honey

All the songs, all the jokes, 

Playing on an endless loop

She says, “Again, again!”

The best songs, the funniest bits repeated.

We can see it fading fast

And here she comes, strolling up the block

Leanan-Sidhe, Peg Powler

She beckons and entices

And pulls me close

She’s Jessica.

Her mouth is full of poison that tastes like banana Laffy Taffys

David has foot fungus

Katie is such a bitch

Let’s prank call Noah

Did you see what Angie was wearing today?

God, what a fucking loser.

And together we eat.

She whispers, “Again, again.”

The cruelest words, the funniest bits repeated.

I smell the jet fuel in the morning and

The past is here at my feet, the twins before me

Clamoring for my attention

It will be different this time

We’ve changed, evolved, merged

And offer me a taste of honey.