house money

this night
my dearest
the clouds will smother
the light from the stars
don’t you see what that means?
we can go out there
into blanketed darkness
and stark city lights
and gamble our futures
from the safety of distance
playing the river
like a band on the bank
and if you’re struck quietly
with a quickening sickness
speak to that someself
buried within you
remind her
gently
that tonight
my dearest
we’re playing entirely
with house money