you walked me home
singing me to sleep
like the stations
of the cross
my mind on fire
with leaves burning
along the boulevard
when I succumbed
you wrapped me up
until I became
a necklace
of white noise
a ring of
chrysanthemums
and cinnamon
a scent
that tied me
to the ground
around my throat
my blood fell asleep
a slice of peace
I call untouchable
swam like scuffed
patent leather
weathered
on the foot
of an angel
in love
with my life
– Daniel Haskin
November 8, 2023