By Rosario Velazquez, Thee Lois Lane

11:15pm
I find myself getting closer to the flame and while it feels alarmingly safe, like sweetness to a baby I want more. Knowing the danger of our intentions makes it harder to move away from the web of innocent intimacy we have created. I visualize my next step making way to a nook beyond the bar fleeting from the thoughts I would like to say and I notice the stare of a familiar feline. No stranger to you or me, I can see her wonder as she stares at you looking at me. Her looks dig into our humble start but the footsteps I leave crumble your heart. Torn but unbroken I watch her stand in my place, holding trinkets compared to the precious moments you save for me to take. With a final sip of rum I prepare to make my way home. But, I find my garments unusually heavy and as I slip my hand into my coat pocket I am bruised by the music you’ve left me.