"at six miles up you will explode. at sea level you will be drowned. beneath the surface the monster will have you."

i had cassandra in my room.
she was way past drunk.
could hardly stand up.
she slipped out of her dress and told me
to sit down.
i smiled and asked her why and she said
"because that's how it happens."
her dress was red on the floor.
then she began to weep. spilled her wine.
i sat next to her. asked her what was wrong.
she said "why don't you believe me?"
my fingertips were resting on her back.
i told her i didn't understand.
"god damn," she said. "god damn."