I slept beside the devil
her wax flesh melted into mine
the air was rust, long dried blood,
the air was fine red wine,
she was a god in her own right
a transgression divine.

desperation, our preservation,
etched into my skin
prayer marks, satanic symbols,
transcribing my sin.

there was no love in her embrace
only blissful, cruel, devastation
empty motel rooms
and biting remarks in train stations
she was despairing exaltation
I asked her to kill me
if I ever thought I found salvation.