Yesterday near sundown, the world stopped outside my door. It made a home on my front porch, dressed in its ragged clothes, holding out a beaten tin cup for any change I could spare.
I never take my wallet with me.

i meant to tell you before anything happened, i meant to
then why did you let it happen?
you're beautiful
as if i've never heard that before
you're one of the most beautiful girls i've ever met
save it maybe when you come back from san jose you'll have something better
i don't think i ever really wanted you anyhow
then get out
i only wanted to see if you wanted me and now i know
now you can leave and set your mind at ease

such a very long week. a very bad year.

everybody wants somebody that is not me.

The picture was just lying there, so harmless in its little black dance folder. How pretty she was, how handsome he was... periwinkle gown, black-and-white spats. I can't believe he's so old now, I remember his child's face... my sweetest dark-haired baby brother.
The group looked well. All the same. Square-necked, empire-waisted dresses. Pastels. Curls done up on top of their heads. Tuxedos in black and blue and red... and a suit. Blue shirt. Patterned tie. Blue eyes. Buzzed hair, bleached blond. White smile. Too white.
Dance folder dropped to the floor (my hands are frozen why is he there he can't really be there).
Run.
heartbeat faded in and out, like an old flashing neon sign
hate off hate off hate off hate off hate off

Get off my porch, world.
I gave all my change away all ready.