END OF STORY
By Joanne Leva

A trigger-happy fat man. A beauty turns slow
untouched and undercover.

A bedpost frames a sweaty face and a smooth hat-rim
cuts a plaid flannel shirt.

A rope rips around a neck. A sergeant growls
packing tobacco.

A bongo tears the sheets. His gun keeps anyone
from thinking.

A pretty girl yells in silk pajamas from her wrought
iron fire-escape. A crowd gathers below.

It's narrow and complicated. A corridor of light
dims to a bullet-proof glow.

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IN THE DARKNESS
By Amiah Taylor

It was a night
Bathed in evil light
The sin did not touch her
Her eyes stayed shut tight

Such beauty, such danger
The murder of a stranger
To awake and see death
Staring into your eyes

It was a night
Of secrets and confusion
Betrayal, desperate escapes
The broken glass of delusion

It was a peaceful night
Behind closed eyes
Soft, steady breathing
Reality on the outside

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