old forgiveness

She was all over covered with tears

Where chasing stars and sand wouldn't help

With old forgiveness and burned afternoons

Saltwater spray

Eyes rolled back to white

We waited and waited

Buses crawled past and plastic tickled the curb

Peeling black from beneath my fingernails

Scratching away at three-week-old dirt

And mosquito kisses

Scuffed heals tapping for three-wheeled chariots

Empty pockets and greying palm-trees

The cows chewing a cud of cardboard and crisp packets

Alcohol sway

Distant drums or traffic rumbles

Or starved stomachs

Prickled with sweat and still with forget

Countig the days 'til she leaves

Blonde from the sun heavy with dust

We begged for escape or redemption

Forgiveness and tolerance and cool soft breeze

We realise everything had been

Washed away