dwarved circle
spots, dull lit,
present en-
sure "okay
safe:
and fine".
Half-melted and worn, sole-
plastic squishing under weight,
sneaker-feet fall heavy and stick
to the concrete, ribbed and
uneven, weaving through mazes
of decade-old family vehicles,
leathered by sun that sheds our layers.
I take steps--forward,
(to veins, bulged
and blue when your
head’s thrown back)
but my mouth is numb. It
melts, slick with sweat--Laugh
louder, and do not mind.