I’m lonely
but my stomach doesn’t need to be.

I pick up chili-cheese fries,
a reliable companion
on any rainy night.

Next stop?
Our lookout.

Well,
it was ours.
It’s my favorite,
so it’s mine now.

Miles away,
rain cascades into the sea.
Thunder accents misery’s soundtrack,
screaming through the stereo,
while I devour my friend fries.
They’ll be fine.

Mid-bite.
White.
The lightning came to me,
and I stared into its eyes.

boom

I return to my lookout
with the diving rain
and wailing clouds.

That near-miss struck me.
My lips anointed in chili
My fingers blessed with cheese
This baptism in energy reminds me that
alone
I am more
that whatever made us.