Identity Theft

the villain arrives in pieces. puzzles to assemble. architects of the lost. all of her dominoes tremble. as she nudges the first one to fall.

the hours spoiling under heavy blankets. cold for the world out there. the mosquitoes find her skin. their swarm opening the zipper. that reveals the feast. she never knew was there.

the hunger proves itself compassionate. in trickles of rain amongst the snow. choices she grieves are too hungry to reason with. snakes in the trees. drowning in venom.

she wanders. as pilots and madmen construct the map. quietly pointing out the places where she had a name.