and the spines of forgotten goodnesses
lie curled at the foot of the bed
in a heap
like euthanized cats
but still we run
hump backed and stilt-legged
crying our kingdoms
for horses
for power
for absolution
We'll take it all
but be warned, won't keep it long
determined (to) walk away empty handed
coughing and bloodied
from a battle that
was never fought
at the end of it all:
begging God to say amen
to our own prayers
and furies.
