the girl in the red hat

saw me
naked
wounded
in the rain
in the afternoon

she held out her hand
but i ain't got one
to reach out
for her

so i looked up
offered her a smile
and she smiled back
almost unforgiving

oh well

and you said you thank mr. goldman for his honey-infused words, and i know you meant well, but it's too late now. i detest being affected by you after all these years, so i shall swallow this lump in my throat and maybe guilt in my gut and it'll be gone tomorrow. and so will you. perpetually.

melancholia

say it isn't so.

because

i know no other way.