Adder

I ordered a straw 
it was a desperate draw
a long one too
but still a straw
it’s true

see I can’t seem to reach 
under the bed
where I know the rope rests
like the cold adder’s head

protective 
possessive
she can’t tell the difference
and this sounds like an exit
and that sounds like an ending
so I’m still while she sleeps
and I try to keep
my hand full of calm 
reaching for your six-hour arm

I keep calling
have you had a good day
syllables slither like warnings
I don’t have much to say 
but are you on your way
are you on your way

stiff-winged angel
sings of my failure
thin-lipped fable
unable to bring me sleep