Lost – Iron Haiku

lingering aimless-
attempting to cross in vain
the border of death
–
almost free-
weightless and yet
still tied to the earth

draped in tulle and lace
far below the frozen sea-
immemorial
–
nestled in
the ocean deep-
lost to time

a neglected path-
moss hides a forgotten shrine
the small gods long gone
–
meditation-
clay teapots
dry in the sun

weary of donning
this mask, this gown, these gloves, I
once more go to work
–
hospital corridors-
the white noise
of dying

seventh floor walk up-
down in the street feral cats
howl in the moonlight
–
stuck to my sheets-
the only breeze
from a passing train

wreaths of dead flowers-
how can I blame you now for
my dirty dishes
–
the front door locked-
my footsteps echo
down the hall

lost in the mirror-
years collecting on the floor
‘neath the barber’s chair
–
wading-
knee deep
in the past

a cold water flat-
the pilot light on the stove
sputters and goes out
–
new year’s eve-
the rent check
overdue

under a blood moon-
take my name from off your lips
and release my soul
–
wet ink-
my name
bound to you

alone at the bar-
a campari and soda
by a full ashtray
–
neon lights-
my reflection in
an empty glass