~~Verse 1
If I could partition my brain from this man, now four years dead,
I’d ignore his last request, destroy the letter I’m to deliver.
Oh God, I’m mortified and would promptly turn down the podium.
But his cells remain and stand their vigil, casting my sense aside.

~~Verse 2
He starts: 
“I wish you knew how tastebuds sting wrapped around familiar tread,
“A convenient word misspoke would roast cruel Webster’s liver.
“Insults roaring needlessly, my anxiety squeaked like helium.
“I’m pleading here, let me talk to you. I’d feel better if we had tried.”

~~Verse 3
What your past forgets is we have messes, both, in our stead:
Two best friends self-absorbed enough that the other’s always lost downriver,
And you’re not alone with your heart so full of petroleum.
You pretty thing, we had a lot of fun, but these excuses are for your pride.

~~Verse 4
Remember the white flag you’re buried with, in spite of all that you said.
You were rude, but waved it bravely, friend! So be your own faithful believer.

Because we can’t keep these borders open anymore.
Every time I bring it up, who’s conviction do I restore?

~~Outro
I’ve been thirsting in a desert for the chaste,
And my sun-cooked brain begins to hallucinate.

November bars mark the fork in question
We intended left, but maintained direction.

Sweatshirt on top for the cold, strip the bottom and bring me close
I could hold you on a vine under falling snow

With your rosy cheeks so red inside bricks our favorite blue,
Would you reach ‘cross the table to bring my teeth to you?

Could the new year bring a morning that wouldn’t end?
Or now that I stand, eviscerated, can forgetting begin?

Only dream I ever have
Is it the surface of the sun?

Bennett Selchow