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There is no twilight in the city. 
Only time we collect in our mouths, 
sun peeling color off the streets,
rats skittering down sidewalks.

The fire escape has been painted gold.
It shimmers at night, 
casts shadows on my wall, 
golden stains where the studs should be. 

Under the weight of a trash can, 
the cobble-stoned alley echoes like gunshots. 
We cover our ears, 
put our knees to the floor. 

There are ghosts in our hallway, 
footsteps thudding off the steel stairs. 
We have lived here for years. 
We still forget to lock the door. 


Inspired by “With Eyes Veiled” by Charles Simic
 
Avatar for username Love to write

Love to write

VT

YWP Alumni Advisor

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