Donna Dallas

Light a Candle at 58

Exit 58 is a Vegas showstopper
3 suicides this month
I saw one of em
drop from that bridge
like a huge stuffed animal
contorted bent and fluffy in the air
like they had folded up for the hit

The one last month landed 
on the hood of a car doing 70
detective came by
to investigate these incidents
why the exit 58 overpass – why here?
because they can get over the fence
it ain’t high enough to keep ‘em down
he walked away discouraged
there ain’t no secret voice from beyond 
calling to these jumpers
no dark omen hovering over 58
it’s just dang easy

The twins at the bar today
drunk to the point of savage
pull up their skirts in unison
show their stuff
walk over to 58 like they comin for it
they strolled by twice last week
sizing the climb
the fall
holding hands 
they stare over
into a blind abyss
I’m sure they discussed this
either through their telekinetic twin powers
or over martinis
slurred together a plan 
to fly over in a wind of glory

I said 3 this month
2 were addicts
the 3rd lost his house in a gambling bender
3 kids and a wife bring flowers 
and light a candle at 58