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Shadows extend east

And cortazar stares at women shuffling by

Who blot their lips from violent men

and say “god bless you”

I sulk with pause

And loving mariachi soars against

The red and yellow tents of strangers

Gifting geese the ends of bread

8, 12, 13 hours and the people keep

Fighting for sleep, for rest…

I’m reluctant to stay sad

Life beyond is a field a flowers

My love is a nervous child

Lapping from the glowing lagoon

Of their presence

My love is a bulging, blue-faced fool

Hung from the throat

By sunflower stems