A BIRTHDAY ALONE IN LAS VEGAS

it’s my 21st

i recognize that

people are addicted

to rolling dings and jumping hues

slots and phones won’t

partake me and others

to drink-and-mingle

[WATCH AS MACHINES TAKE

OVER THE TABLES]

odds don’t matter,

we base luck

off eyes’ appeals

back to my room

thought i wasn’t tipsy

pop the cork off my socks

legs like tipped-over vases

awaken from 37-minute bath,

up and shot

blood rushed

all is bathroom static

[HEART BEATS

AND RIBS CAGED IT]

grip onto

the gooseneck faucet,

hand slides the edge of a marble tub

dry focus

into crystal water

all i see is not my reflection

but depleted

bubbles of time

sink back in

kill the neon,

it’s all that gets to me