Before and After

Before
Always remember
As the sun surely rises
The sun always sets

After
The sun still rises
Just as surely as it sets
Does it still matter

Jump

“Wait!” Just breathe. “Don’t jump!”

I’m here now. “Take my hand!” Breathe.

“We’ll go together.”

Your hand is enough

I just can’t be that cruel

I can’t take your heart

Bright, smiling faces

Frown only on the inside

Better tomorrows

A face that doesn’t smile

And hands you won’t let me hold

Come down from your wall

Bread’s in the oven

Rising and browning in heat

Home wafts through the air

Water-wrinkled flesh

Submerged in scalding fluids

Cleansing and calming

Around my finger

Fabric and flesh together

It will be okay

Filtered and sterile
Air needs to be conditioned
How it’s meant to be

Driblets of cool sweat
Flexed and contracted muscles
A perfect machine