taken by rough hands
makes me fearful
but wind whispers
me silent.
timbered in arms
tendered to lull
trembling heart

nearer a gentle
coolness drifts
on a wind
carrying bell charms
sweet flower bells
belladonna to lips

dappled in light
and death dreams
water in nose
and lungs
I fight the demons
and fight back
flight away from
black pearl

alone
half drowned
half reborn
I gather up my clothes
I gather up broken
pieces.
pieces that are
my
gathered shroud