we were dead before the sun sank

sitting on deckchairs

long drinks from each others skull

watching the birds peck

their eyes out
it didn't stop you groaning

about the heat

foaming about the

price of petrol

or stop me

from paying the rent

in advance
you got up and your arm

fell to the floor

I knew the signal well

            ready to be eaten

the flies buzzing

as I pulled off your

red dress
we haven't slept in weeks

pacing the floors

nothing on television

watching white noise anyway

in the killing hours

when the dark slides

when the biting begins
the dog has been gone for days

you wear its lead

walk yourself

up the street

chasing children

to stay fit
I finish chewing

you adjust your neck

your parents are coming this weekend

                 we need to clear out the freezer

                 sharpen the mower blades

                 bury our cat

                 clean the golf clubs

ready our brains

for conversation