before curtains and after

the bray of a mustang

the cherum of whirlibirds

keep the score of a quiet evening

this body was never insulated

for sound nor cold

nor the sidelong stares

of prying dog walkers

hands full of waste

the city unfolds

and refolds itself

 

through panes of thin glass

mottled at the edges

with hasty paint

laid for the changing of tenants

wick to wick

when promotion or death beckon

other lives

 

the new tenants

out of respect

keep the mail of the deceased

coupons for St. Peter

discounted after 

taxing lives end suddenly

and neighbors reticently

share the promotions of relativity

 

thin pains

music between walls

the smell of soup

what was was

is will be

walking dogs carrying waste

prying glances

from more lessees