Bildungsroman
︎︎︎ Nicholas Pagano
︎ July 4, 2026
The principal characters go on waltzing as dust
swirls, small gold particles lighter than air, leftovers
from the recent decision. A stranger enters
the room then shakes off snow. We snap awake
into breath that measures itself against
particulars. Slow music, a candle flame
in the concertina's center. The finale is a melody
played by glass hammers. A hummingbird
visits daily to kiss each window then dissolve.
The party ends as we toss our sugar cubes into the river.
swirls, small gold particles lighter than air, leftovers
from the recent decision. A stranger enters
the room then shakes off snow. We snap awake
into breath that measures itself against
particulars. Slow music, a candle flame
in the concertina's center. The finale is a melody
played by glass hammers. A hummingbird
visits daily to kiss each window then dissolve.
The party ends as we toss our sugar cubes into the river.
Nicholas Pagano lives and writes in New York.