The 100 Beginings
by Billy Internicola


Fired, unjustly,
Our apartment overcome with roaches ,
Having eaten curried potatoes for the past four nights,
It'ys two AM
And the woman downstairs plays her Salsa so loud
The picture frames dance on their nails.

Having thrown a pot, screamed at the fixtures and kicked the cat,
Nausea and panic rising up like vomit,
I collapse in the closet
And say a prayer through clenched teeth,
Falling to the depths of sleep
Before the song can end and a new one begin.

Awaking in the quiet,
The descending notes of a faraway siren
Gently reach my ears.
Start over. Begin again.






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