The time was 4 o’clock in the middle of the day and me and Baxter both looked at eachother with sad eyes but a happy grin as our landlord said he’s had enough of “this animals” noise and rambunctious behavior. “You know, this animal has a name and is probably more reliable than you and your expertise on fixing drywall”. The landlord stomps his foot down startling Baxter and screams “THEN MAYBE DONT HAVE YOUR DOG SLAMMING INTO THE WALL ALL GODDAMN NIGHT” then proceeds to shut the door in my face and almost hitting Baxter. I look down still trying to release some steam and say to Baxter “ okay buddy let’s get going to the car and see what else is in store for our journey”. He looks up at me and gives out a little huff rippling his jowls and a low bark just to confirm he’s ready to ride the wave of life by my side. Baxter is a small English bulldog with one tooth that hangs out of his mouth and light brown eyes that are similar to his spotty brown and white coat. Me and Baxter met when I was still going into college and on the way there I spotted him at a gas stop, sleeping in the shade with some flys buzzing around him. I go inside to grab a pack of cigarettes and a energy drink and then a little dog snack was on the counter so I asked the lady, “do you know who’s bulldog that is out there and is he okay?”. The lady smirks and says “that’s just Baxter, he always comes by for the shade and treats and he goes off somewhere at night and only returns during the morning”. I asked her if I could give him a treat and she said yes of course. I walk outside with my items and walk over to Baxter as he is seen now scratching his ear and shaking off the flys around him. He sees me approaching and at first looks around to make sure the coast is clear then wags his little stub of a tail walking towards me. I lean down with treat in my hand and hold it out right on the edge of my fingertips to show Baxter I don’t want to approach to quickly. He walks up, huffs and snickers walking to me making me think he had some ulterior motive but no he just grabs the treat with his teeth and huffs again for excitement. Watching him grab it almost brings a tear to my eye and the idea hit me. I leaned down and ask Baxter “you don’t have a home do ya boy?” He keeps wagging his nub and smiles ear to ear indicating he is excited. Of course dogs are always smiling after they received food but in my mind that was confirmation for: oh please please take me with you so we can ride along together till the end of our time. I look left to right to make sure it’s clear just like Baxter did and scoop him up and bring him to my car. He was timid at first but once I positioned him correctly in my arms he was nuzzling up under my chin and licking my neck and ears. His ticklish scheme got me to chuckle and the cashier walks out yelling: hey there boy! You sure you know what your doing? I smile back as Baxter barks: I don’t really have a clue! I saw he was laying there and reminded me of myself so I figured we gonna find out how this life road ends together ma’am. She smiles as she sees me pull out the gas station with Baxter looking outside the window with the anticipation of a lifetime. I still visit that gas station when I can so Baxter can revisit the cashier and touch his roots one more time. Fast forward to present day, Baxter now has more wrinkles everywhere but an even bigger smile when he’s with me. I love Baxter and I’m not joking when I say I see a little bit of myself in him. I would explain how I ended up like him but first we need to find a place to rest our eyes, for another time I suppose.

As the sun stretches out and lays down against the horizon, a hueish glow embraces my body.

Catching a glimpse from the side of the tree I see flutters and dancing of the moss from the tree.

With each increase in tune the shadows reach distant relatives and unknown destinations.

The birds sing as the stars slowly surface touching the navy ceiling.

My old frame and worn hinges feel the warmth’s embrace and push my soul Into the tree, latching on to another shape and coating the base.

Will my shadow reach more when the sun finally sinks or will I become absorbed with my own soul.

Looking beneath my feet I see beautiful colors of blue, green and yellow, the color of your eyes. The jolt of estimating the distance between me and the hard pavement are replaced with the picture of your smile in my head. Your cheeks rise and your lips open as you proceed to say “would you still love me if we were the only people left here on this planet?” And immediately I dive into my brain and see myself defending you against all beasts and demons that stand against our love, ripping through bones and flesh becoming one with the beast that have that same desire for your skin. I smile back and say “of course my darling, there isn’t enough sand in the hourglass of time that will not be flooded with my love for you”. I flash back to the edge of this 10 story building, the building we use to walk past to grab our coffee and daily book leading towards the park. I miss the days where you curled up inside my arms, releasing all the weight and pain you have been feeling and finally feeling like you can fly. But alas, just like Icarus, you came to close to the sun and fell into a Pitt that even I couldn’t pull you out of. When they found you and the letter you left me I crumbled into a black abyss that absorbs all light and good that was birthed into this world. My hunger no longer feasted on me and my brain lay dormant for days. The closest I have ever came to understanding where you left off is right now on this ledge, ready to sore and fly just like my love. This is it my darling, may my blood soak the sands and my soul reach you with the note you left me, let’s go find that world with just you and me okay?

Here lies the once warm flesh that embraced my arms.

Her corpse smells of embalming fluid but her eyes speak of distant memories.

The skin looks soft, almost dissolves once mixed with saliva.

Her nails are short, previous pieces left inside a basement down piper street.

Makeup covers the arms and legs to hide the bruises.

So many visitors for one mysterious woman from the bright city.

Just a little taste and then I’ll be on my way.