After the turmoil of twisted sheets,
the screaming nerves and burning skin
in sweat confusion,
comes cool morning,
and then sweet sleep.

After sleep
comes rebalanced mind
and quiet body.
Senses back to life.
I smell the flowers from the garden
for the first time.
I feel hunger in my belly,
for real,
and taste the taste,
feel the crunch,
hear my body sing to me.

Under nicotine nails grow new nails
and under breath of alcohol death
whispers new breath
and all the collapse and decay and strain
gives way to flourishing and blossoming and awakening.

Kara, briefly, by the window
looks at me with tilted head
and says
'see, my love, see?'

Forever, and ever,
and just too long ago.