Leaving Baltimore

Thursday.
… the prospect of daylight
tomorrow…

Noises
on the second floor;

the repetitive tiled hallways
echo.

It hurts, hurts.
Even deep Mingus on well-traveled tapes,
even Nocturnes… no use, no use.

Bloody Camel stubs in ashtray
1329 Boulevard
can’t forget
bone pulled from bone,

ancient practice, barbarism…

Another sun, unwelcomed,
will unwind another smothered day;
August will no doubt open slowly:
an ache of air impossible to breathe.

Ten before twelve
becomes a countdown;
One becomes two too soon,
quick as a click.

If and when the morning arrives
a forever pilgrimage begins.

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Sammi Cox Weekend Prompt
Prompt #361 – 04.27.24
~Pilgrimage – 93 Words~
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