The night made indelible tracks
across strained sinews, my heart –
and you, your voice
like a map of the constellations
in an undiscovered corner
of our mutual despair
I held your hands
as time dissolved
humanity creaking and groaning
the floors unswept, curtains in shreds
I feel the hot breath of regret,
your heart beating with mine;
a walk we take together
on the brink of salvation and oblivion –
the sound of water splashing
a knee sinking into earth.