When I Wake

A creature cradles
sizzling embers
it is standing in

Crispy slippery flesh, blood burnt
nails, bone hair, earth, glass
rocks pool into and over

A mouth eager and willing
chews slowly. The corners
of its grin melting with melting
greasy dollops that slide slowly

back down below.

Today is the anniversary of a death, but the air is moist with upturned earth.

Dried blood itches underneath her perfumed throat and loose collar before a day

Memories are eaten by another more hungry than she is able to feed.

5 days and counting…
4
3
2
1
0

Chicago comes alive in 57 degrees.
Aqua lake sneaks in between dots along the shore: red, black, khaki green.
Silver skyscrapers continue the blue.
Chinatown plaza where 2 boys decided to nap in the middle of the bustling concrete.
They must have felt like a scallion pancake on a hot grill.
Shiny black top heads glide over them and giggle.
Spicy buttery Szechuan boiled beef.
Peanuts were the star in the Kung Pao Shrimp, super-crunch meaty with a rich sweetness.
Thin julienned pork bamboo black mushroom. Pickled chili cabbage.
After Lao Szechuan, enjoy the wait in lime lemon mango walled line.
Iced coffee bubble drink from Joy Yee. Gloss frozen on food displays like plastic lobster sauce.
Sweets call to us as our skin feels like warm honey in the sun.
“How do they get such a golden crust on every pastry?” Lynne asked.
Red bean walnut pastry, BBQ pork bun, curry beef turnover, red bean moon cakes, coconut sponge cake, bitter melon pies, green tea iced cakes. 
Pale Chinese clerks – their faces round and spotted with sesame seeds.
Their mood is sour and they serve us with hearty masculine hands.
Slow drive back up Lake Shore – the lake now teal with bright yellow crests. I see a wave building with undulating balconies.
Munch on a mini moon cake all the way home.