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decommissioned.

Tell her something kind.
Tell her you see your palms and they’re dry and white.
Tell her something cruel, for she cares not what you say.
Explain where you come from,
so she might forgive.

Laugh, because that is what a sickly night is about,
and make her understand what savage hatred feels like.
Cry — if that helps her move closer.

And tell her something kind,
one more time,
because she’ll not be around for long.