MickeyFebruary

     A strip of light peeked from the bathroom door, pressing over her exposed body. She lay waiting on the hotel bed. Her body weightless, and mind to the air. The man she paid was preparing himself on the other side.     She was done with the motionless life of her cubicle, done gazing at the intangible stars. She only wanted to meld with the rapid city, its bustling streets, and neon ridden backdrop.    As it was happening, she savored the bounce of the springs, the hovering heat, the feel of her flesh under the lifelines of a stranger. For a short time, she could move with the rest.   In the morning, she wok

Friday noon, I park my red sedan in the usual spot across from the cafe, and for the fourth week you aren't here. You were my willing passenger. Your curls rich-bark, eyes delicate pine. Your modest giggle. Your quiet breath. Your full lips grazing my stubble. Your soft hills against my chest. The fog and rain-glazed windows masking us. You were too young. I couldn't have you. But if I could sample your presence as you passed my car every Friday noon and imagine, then marring your white petals with the light of my cigarette wouldn't make me a criminal. Now I want to flee these barren streets and broken traffic lights. Knowing your fi