on demand

objects in the mirror are closer than they appear
dreams bounce on puddles
like soundwaves ripple ears
we huddle in bunches to stay warm
holding close what's known
repressing hunches to leave home
only to return in due time
yet came back to faded signs
and pictures with frayed edges
we hedged bets; averse to happiness itself
never knowing what the future holds
yet melting down hearts like roach clips in the dark
we spark it up for those soulmates seemingly still on the ark
waiting for us to disembark
and hold hands
but the cold hands and feet and days only repel
never quite able to tell the season
or the reason for our being
except that forever is infinite
which is definitely a long while
so the smiles may not hold as much joy
the cheek bones too much to bear for the man-boys
who tried to do what was right
and still got bagged like thieves in the night
so the ski masks came out
ill ice grills framed their mouths
and angst filled the air like sauerkraut
and broken glass
the shards of which we use to claim our place
in the sand
the first of the last
the last of the firsts
chivalry on demand