I can remember much forgetfulness.
–Hart Crane
Cold Heaven
Pink Jackie’s back in the car.
The shot, the slump, the gore.
Bits of brain and hair
hurtle through the air.
The taste of bitter myrrh.
Ha! She will not take a shower,
America! Cowboy nation:
Let them see what they’ve done!
Vodka and valium. Troubled sleep.
Does she have a soul to keep?
The only way through is through.
What fool said that? Who?
A dice roll to forget.
Unstoppable. Kismet.
Sunny, no bubbletop to cover.
In 6.9 seconds it’s all over.
Pink Jackie in a flood.
Pink Jackie shortstop on the hood
chasing pieces of his head.
Hysterical roses yellow and red.
The lunatic movie while she lives.
The cant of the mourning doves.
Elisabeth Murawski is author of Heiress, Zorba’s Daughter, Moon and Mercury, and two chapbooks.
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