I’m saying even if
we are commanded
to die by the physics
of the stars, or an un-
seen thumb, we don’t
have to hemorrhage
to please any number
in any sky. We can
end as whole people.
I walk
to create
the hot rush
the bullet
wants to
emulate.
How cold
that spinner
was before
it had me
to chase
down.
I used to lust
for pools. I’m
afraid to get in
them now.
I’m afraid of
all that red.
Darren C. Demaree is the author of “As We Refer To Our Bodies” (2013, 8th House), “Temporary Champions” (2014, Main Street Rag), “The Pony Governor” (2015, After the Pause Press), and “Not For Art Nor Prayer” (2015, 8th House). He is the Managing Editor of the Best of the Net Anthology.
He is currently living and writing in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and children.