"LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, SH-BOOM, SH-BOOM!"

   by Bates Corlieu

bloodshot
when the weary ragged sky
stutters bright but once more
for memory of her, or him

"Ah, my Casablanca cowboy,
if we'd only had Paris!"

not guilty
but summoned
to drop the dagger by bathtime
as Love doesn't include bloodletting

I shall accept responsibility for my dreams
relinquish
the ferocious velocity of gnashing unclenched teeth
for you