cracked reflectors

images of light playing on Valentino's skin in the still-day time

is the movie screen imagery of shadowed blushes painted in blood

collateral gods ruling the world from pools of water filtered with mud

cleansing questions avoid the flesh when the orderly mourners enter

disposed

and dispossessed

searching

for the disposable

Hmong

the gathered

among

trinkets gathered

among

junkies and the banished

where will we end

up or down

lost on the street of innocuity

holding flares

or guns

or both with knives

saying

no harm'll be done

we're innocent

dressed in pink

softened brood

softened stool

softened

you're safe

and you'll be well

until...

they come

until...

they come...

until...

you believe

valentino

Valentino hands his mate a tainted rose to incorporate into her dreams

to punish the bad whose pawns turn blessed nothing into religion