THE END

Outside, the stars are falling
Like pebbles in a well, mountains
Sifting like salt in the hissing sea.
The dark is near, hell is closer still,
But inside the private theater, velvet
Seats tip back like branches in
A breeze, the air is sweet, and
Starlight fills my eyes. I'm content
To sit forever if need be,
I'm waiting for the movie.

A melody sweeps over the screen
Breathing the slow consolation
Of passions building to a rehearsed,
Familiar crescendo. A girl I've known
From childhood, or before, sings
Sweetly of the storm that will dynamite
Her home and fling her over the rainbow.
I can see in her eyes, she knows
It's not the end of the world.

The worst is over well before a light
From an open door burst a vessel
In her angelic sorrow, and she sinks
Softly into the apparatus of another role:
Gossamer wings, flowing skirts,
And tinsel confetti of the wish
Never to know what happens, really.
Nothing happens in the movies.
An old friend cradles a drink,
His lover takes a seat, and others.