Declaration

For Ms. Soliz.

I howled out my love on the rooftop,

begging all to hear the words:

the hot core of life

stumbling from the mouth.

With all I felt falling out

I couldn’t catch my breath:

it crashed

But died with such a beautiful smile,

next to the fear

that had been running me ragged.

I looked to the moon for a blessing,

to sanctify the prayer.

It did not speak.

Yet it glowed brighter

against the dripping tar,

the mute, empty streets.

That was enough.