1334

the store
market
I mean
the man at the market
was hocking your sorrow
and the prices were competitive
so we all got a sample then a taste
then a box then a carton then bags
bags and bags

when we got it home
we were reminded of a place
a night just before the sun rose
scared away the dreams
and birthed long shadows
just tokens for things
once and again and now

the fire was dormant
but things still fell to ash

then
in unison
we asked
why did we bury our crowns
our kingdom was life
that one last golden dynasty
before darkness

and I felt your sorrow
acute and true
brutal and masked
vengeful and warm

and my ignorance flew
my hands free
I bled my sorrow
passed it by with
handed it down with a clanging
rhythm