Cumulative Identities

we are given our names.
by circumstance and contrition.
worn by the skulk of the wind
as it chases time.

sold at a bargain
into the slavery of earnest skin. 

we measure each moment
in burnt sugar and flaking scabs. 

the distance yawns.
bored by our panic.
we stumble over the zippers
in the backs of our throats.

choking on all the missing words. 

we watch the world end
from inside our dusty windows.
shuffling tomorrow's bones.
runners on withering crutches.
spent by the distance. 

we take the names they give us.
discarded dolls in yesterday's gowns. 

living as if they know us. 

certain they never can.