You were sleeping in Parkesburg. 

I was awake, 
Eating stale dinner mints 
And analyzing the weather forecast. 

Last night was nothing I could forget, 
The last thing I wanted to remember. 

This morning was pain. 
The 7am livingroom was lit by a propane heater 
And decorated by tears. 

You were sleeping in Parkesburg. 

I was awake, 
Packing toothpaste and memories into a duffel bag 
And sighing. 

Last week was dream after dream, 
Nightmare after dream. 

This morning was terror. 
The 8am glass of tea was habit and addiction 
And nothing more. 

You were lighting a cigarette in Parkesburg. 

I was afraid, 
Dialing your number 
And gathering tears in my tired eyes. 

Last month was ups and downs, 
Downs, downs, down. 

This morning was hell. 
The 9am goodbye was cold and crying, 
And threatening to kill. 

January 6th, 2002