A Shimmer in September

we’re out here in the open

lungs chewing on fresh air

after a long time of recycling oxygen

windows down, hair billowing,

gazes faltering further down the winding road

in shared anticipation

everything looks a little greener—

even through sleepy starry eyes

our sleepy starry minds

driving off into another unknown

wondering if the tides would be kind today

humming veins past humming teeth

a quick embarrassing wiggly jig to the beat

cheeky banter bouncing about excitedly

and laughing through covered mouths

until slipping glasses fog up

but we could clear it up

we’ve got nothing but passing ocean breeze,

and passing moments,

and passive music building

tall tales and bleeding minerals

all over tired bones—

the morning has just begun

as gentle sunshine cascades amid feverish lights

falling faster beyond feverish hearts

feeling something like life

feeling something like living

feeling something like feeling alive

and breathing a little easier

for the first time in a while.