This Side of Summer

In the wake of summer

Static raises the hair on my neck

and you’re not here but you will be.

My skin,

saturated, makes the air

feel like putty. Meddled feelings bleed

together into a neon reflection of the

street lights and sunlight.

We’re in the danger zone,

living

It’s this that I crave, call it yearning for grief.

Another lifetime this, but yesterday.

This, but not at all.

It stings this side of summer.

I heard it in the words you never let spill out.

I understand. And I won’t mention it for your sake

or mine.

In another instance, we would devour each other.

Maybe in this one it’s for the best.