A couple of apple pie with cinnamon

In nights like this

I wish to be near you.

I'll tuck you in and

read you stories

I'll tell you about the hills in Scotland that

devoured people on rainy days

and the grey rabbit that

deceived it and snapped its heart.

I'll tell you about the battlefield in

places we cannot touch

the origin of rumbling thunders and

forked lightning.

I'll tell you about the sacrifices to the old gods

as their decaying bodies sway in the wind

and crows and ravens circle the canopy of the old oak trees.

In times like this

I wish to be near you.

I'll make coffee and

get us a couple of apple pie with cinnamon

Then I'll tuck you in and say I love you in unusual,

remarkable ways.

By telling you peculiar stories until you fall asleep, perhaps.

And if you want to –

if it comforts you –

I'll do this night after night.

I'll bring you marvels from arcane knowledge and

forgotten myths and

I guarantee that the unwavering cruelties of this inane, mad civilization

will only make us stronger.

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