Neighbourly Relations

Once upon a time, naked and abandoned Mars, –
left out in the sun and the blackest night,
Her blanket ripped from its ridged backbone –

complained about her neighbour whose churning parties,
frequent change of dress, teasing clouds,
and palette of all the blues taunted her.

The next moment all the lights next door went out.
Mars settled to sleep on the solar system’s sloping breast,
Grateful the universe had evicted the party goers at last.

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