Tightrope

Knives offered tasks,

But none for the

Need; no tie, belt,

Pills, oven or

Railway track.

The river spat me

Back; graveyard too

Expensive to rent.

Deflated, depleted,

Defeated; a crumpled heap

Of regret; flesh unspent,

Crying behind the

Kicked in door.

Stumbled into the traffic,

The career woman late,

Pinned me to the floor.

I arrive a second

After Fate.