Wildfires

Parties remind me of the animal kingdom.
In their natural habitats,
These beasts dance to the beat of a bassline;
Their bodies are always gyrating
As they hold onto plastic cups and each other.

Disgustingohgodsmellslikepisswhoissmoking.

I am ready to leave but then
A hand clamps onto my shoulder
And my eyes narrow as I see Desiree.

Her eyes are
so
bloodshot,
Her smile is
so
wide,
And I think she just invited me to her circle.

Does this mean I’m an addict-in-training?

We make our way through the crowd—
Passing rude boys and girls
—Before we reach the back room.

It’s a magical place
Filled with magical people
Who brought magical remedies
I am willing to try.

Let’s go home. Most of these will make you hungry!
Ana is persistent, tugging at my arm, livid.

I don’t listen to Ana,
Just this once I won’t.
One night of fun and friends
is
all
I
want
right
now.