Straylight Run: Existentialism on...

By Kate Gubert

"When the sun came up, we were sleeping in,
sunk inside of blankets, sprawled across the bed."

When the sun came up, you were sleeping with your arm flung across my sunken belly. I was cold and kept awake by the stench of vomit.

"And we were dreaming. There are moments when I know it. And the world revolves around us."

The dream somehow escaped me; and knowledge and feeling rose from me as an essence from my being. I revolved around you and hid my bruises.

"And we're keeping it, keeping it all going.. this delicate balance. Vulnerable. All knowing."

Somewhere between when I pushed you away and when I called you back you misunderstood my apology. You tore down the walls of my Almighty and sucked my remains through a straw.

"(Sing like you think no one's listening.)"

You opened the curtains and let the light of a thousand eyes burn through my parched skin. You laughed at my appearance...and went back to sleep.

"We're glad for what we've got.
Done with what we've lost.
Our whole lives laid out right in front of..."

You were satisfied with what you had taken from me: what I offered to you. Another soft drop on your lips as I looked at you; so sad and delicate.

"Sing me anything."