the light is different

the light is different, changing in a moment

diffusing the sharp orange highlights

gleaming on the leaves under a flat heavy sky

blackening over the ocean.

you will suffer too, little girl

you will feel the sharp edges of palm fronds

cutting into your naked back

and a faceless man tasting the blood on your skin.

you will feel your world pull back

shrinking into a vacuum,

you will see the faces of friends and lovers

shift, darken and disappear.

you will suffer too, little girl;

little girl,

you're no better than me.