VIII

i look. everywhere.
i fill my lungs with air. ready to shout.
but there is no one.
no one who can take your place to hear it.
i ask, "would you mind filling in for him? for just a second."
and i scream it until doubling over.
and the stranger nods.
and walks away.

you need to know. that i know.
you need to know that i know about the dogwood. he and i know. it's our secret.
you need to know that i know about "tighten up." and "friends make garbage, good friends take it out."
you need to know that i know about how mountains are the sutures of a sinner's heart.
you need to know that i know about the carabiner.
you need to know that i know whose prayer request it was.
you need to know that i know your handwriting.

you need to know.