The air was strange,

like fire had taken

too much oxygen.

People were polite

in a strained way

and snacks were plentiful.

No one mentioned

endings

or anything important,

just lawns and interest rates

and a vague look or two

reminiscent of used teddy bears.

I don’t understand much

but I knew

there was something

behind the sun.

It’s there

and it’ll take us all,

regardless of nudity

or lies or whatever we say.

Thoughts and feelings

bouncing like pinballs

before an electrical storm.