Retreat

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.