Altered States

Part Of The Scene

Turns out the fireworks
Were down by the river

Thinking I’d be just a stranger
Another emerges beside me

Talking about D.C. lights and fires
Roof-popping head level smoking

Suddenly added mortars
Are boom-firing behind us

He warns so we hunch-cover ears
And my kidneys ache from blasts

Exploding overhead so close that
Flaming-char chunks are evident

Pummeling between me and others
Could’ve set fire to a child’s blanket

A low-set car contributes atmosphere
Playing gang-bangin’ music – hilarious

Got the full emersive 3–D experience
Others regroup and we exit delirious

Alex (An Ideal)

Dear Alex,

“Desperation” comes to mind.

Why?

Is it panic?

Waning faith in the unknown…

Is this despair from so long on the empty road?

My pendant has broken another chain – but at least pops off right when I can see it happening.

I have considered giving it to you because I have worn it always for quite a while now.

Maybe it is impatient to be with you, too.

I hear there are glitches in the Matrix.

I don’t feel right this morning.

Emergencies are happenimg.

I am tumbling, and I don’t know why.

I am not well in my body this morning – which is weird to say and even harder to describe.

I’m afraid this all has me feeling like a mess, my darling.

Although soon I will push it all aside and put on my professional mask.

I’m sorry I can’t guarantee perfection.

There is too much transition.