fluttering wings, beating heart

in my hand

now he flies

into the sun

into the fire

into the [nothing]

how i wish i could save you

i look into the sun and i stretch my hand out

i will burn myself

if i can pull you out

charred fingers

and you do not choose to fly to them

i think i can grasp you and

maybe it was you who burned all along for now my hands are blistered

— and my tears cannot put out a wildfire

the ecstasy of falling

this is what you told me

cried over the drone of the highway

that if i was not there to be scorched by your phoenix-like unbecoming

you would let yourself plunge

into the flames / / abyss / / end

(extinction leaves no second life)

i cannot shelter you in my bittercold /because he no longer wants it

dirt is in my mouth and under my fingernails

i left my sight behind on that rain-covered asphalt

limbs grappling throat raw grass stains on my knees

blood-tipped feathers loose in my palm

you tell me that the happiest moments were the freedom before i found you

i will follow you /

into the [everything]