Reasons

Because life. Because orange and definitely because blue.

Because the river outside the window ran dry. Because I said so.

Because the distance between my elbow and my wrist to my elbow to my shoulder.

Because hurt. Because noodles need water.

Because hitting the ground hurts. Because yes. Because no.

Because the sky turns gray sometimes. Because paper yellows after years.

Because blankets and apples and pears.

Because people forget sometimes. Because of things, porque cosas.

Because words are powerful. Because coca-cola fizzes like battery acid.

Because there are a million reasons why, but only one against.

[That was the year I wanted to end it.]

That was the year I wanted to end it. You know what. All the water in the world couldn’t keep me happy then. The man had chipped his tooth trying to kiss Oscar Wilde’s grave. Amaretto kisses among friends. Only when my teeth were cracked could I see the sun. It shined on days I’d never seen before. Goldfish scales shined a brilliant maroon. And more and more, life continued on. The roommate laughed at the wall and called it a lamp post. The foul smoke reminded me of machinery exhaust. I walked for hours but only for minutes. I wanted to seduce you more than I could want you.  We watched Clue. And more and more, life continued on.

Cooper

you slink

around the room

nighttime ninja

dressed in space pajamas

belly-rumbling