I remember the smell of her fingertips as she said good-bye for what would be the last time. I had kissed her hands all over in a desperate bid for sympathy, for mercy, or just to stall her leaving by a few scant minutes. I thought that I would never be able to breathe again, my chest had collapsed like a ruined house and had buried my heart. She moved out of town and started up the Crank habit that has defined her through these years. I breathed just fine after that, I also gained forty pounds and have been dumped five times since. Still, I'll never forget the alchemical amber redolence of her thumb and forefinger. I dedicate these songs to you, sweet listener...