Oblique sunlight
Drapes across the tombs of our forefathers,
Diffusing brilliant light
Through fragile petals that grow among the stone.
Each soft blossom casts delicate shadows
from its veins' array
And gathers light against these
In translucent shocks of color:
A momentary burst
Of gentle, piercing glory
Before falling
Like an indigo ash
Back to the dark womb
Of incessant life.

The Earth is purged:
Human ghosts
Once hung in elemental pores
Have been released,
Ascendant from dirt
And salt.

Evening vespers complete
After one-thousand years
Of denial,
They take flight into ether,
Each ascension signified
In violent purple hues,
Clean breaks.