Hometown

Peoria swells with angst of teens
Who talk to ghosts, carrying
Souls in rocks and an old
Worn necklace. At the diner
Where they once talked
Sex, they now discuss demons
And talking boards over goosebump arms
Despite the cups of coffee.
Through the cloud of cigarette smoke
Conversation continues.

Beer bong later that night
But his arm is missing all the more blood
Boredom returns all the same
Others' eyes ignore the inexplicable
Friends play drinking games
They don't know who they are talking to
Secrets are shared
We talk of the dead as though they are with us

Sleep creeps in and friends
Of both sexes sleep shoulder
To shoulder. Two lovers fall asleep first
Their friend's laughter slips them
Into dreams of their own.