who was I before when the west was in a prosperous posture — our unassuming majesties combined — desire used to burn. now, just fire shifting suddenly to the unkind east — lost, improper — the space between you and yourself now wider. a vacuous mind with only smoldered, charred bits left to sift, until we are carried higher — god forbid we wish for what feels dire. flounder on letting no fools draw in breaths from your lungs