Lying in bed, warm-coated, the smell of dust.

Sitting beneath a tree, eyes closed, dreams shivering skin.

Perfectionist pressure looming—over--forgotten.

Pain flaring--healing--scarred--tanned.

Pains affecting years.

Choices reaping diamonds.

Houses inhabited—populated--left behind.

Penultimate life eyeblink-quick.

The midst lasts too long.