Kai, inviting ball, advised Liza to “dress warm.” He’d said to “wear that black lace.” Satin-suede unbuttoned drape shy step this way amber locks stray high heels tilt frame imbalanced fray—wish fountain pray bless sleet soirée—dressed layers thin-silk topped peacoat woven soft cashmere. Again she starts through fog lured dock—Whisper her ear—sees further fraught, rust garbage barge, abandoned freight, tankers asleep sway combers wake faint clop awash quays quarantined port. Hudson gulls caw flock and dive, mystic daze ink blurs smoke sigh, grays dampen snow smog pillows glow adrift stillness then subtle slow the piercing spires midtown seethes spite unto the Battery—bridged boroughs. Remember always look both ways before, it’s righteousness that’s wrong… Dual-sided mouth split tongue hisses scales venom perils. Whisper speaks rolls dice gusto risks all rattler viper lash choke… gambler left in pit of fate will barter hope attempts escape buy any means to curry favor. Whether winners rise or fall stragglers weeds will chide charge prowl, inspired words weave tangled deeds endless betrayals.