Friendly Fire

renders me sleepless, a perishing sight

oh how I’ve learned to adore you.

Caskets a plenty for any who care 

and double for those who are willing to share

the sleep of reason seeks no foes 

I’m listening to tapes all quiet and huddled 

the sound is ancestral, immortal, and muffled 

though your speakers make them sound better.

It wasn’t too late when I decided to leave

you by yourself, I could hear you breathe

something that sounded like “Kathleen” 

the air’s hot like New York in the must 

if he knew I was leaving he’d probably be pissed

so I finish my smoke and return. 

To write of Berlin in the dim of this night 

and posture that bodies cast heavenly light 

when love leaks through like a burst pipe. 

My pillow is paranoid that it can’t hold my head, 

it’s been floating five inches parallel to the bed

in our new apartment, objects are themselves. 

I’m shaking all day to a speed driven beat

and hopefully someday I’ll land on my feet 

but when I’m beside you I can be something. 

So flowery lady will you braid my hair

and push me to tell secrets I’m unwilling to share