it’s cold in virginia
and i find myself keeping up with the dead
at best those forty degrees, drag the breath from my mouth to my knees
there’s a song being played and all play their part, the bass line beats like my heart
my feet are burning, lifeless pavement turns to wet grass; colder still
they move in syncopation with time, so much more willing than when alive
with only skin on my feet they cross back onto the street, the cold air is fire
there are many more in tune, to the status we will all be accustomed to
though my pace is steady, the mind is accelerating
mindlessly, consciously, they have ceased to be fixed in one location
the amount of pain to be endured will not change with speed
dissipation. though no longer location, they are timeless
the universe is indifferent to my decision
the song came through the air to the radio, i only caught the end
and pain is my reminder that i have not arrived
song is eternal, it will play again
the green rug receives my feet; a brisk sweep
and i am growing in anticipation
the red door won’t open
for the moment i join in
glad i brought my keys.
