Half formed shallow glances across the dawn
Breaking in crisp spring
a hunter means harm
(say it back)

Precious slanted words in crushed song
Landing slowly, raindrops cling
The sidewalk is long
(breath we lack)

Slaughtered bouquet petals in Central Park
Burning acidic in the winter light
Our sun is victim to the dark
(Gilded armor cracks)

Aimless gallivanting learns to command the heart
Inspired: the reckless wilderness can ignite
villains and matchsticks to spark
(Absence means love lacks)

and if all letters are to crash like hailstorms
why write and feel and fill
the blank parchments with potential eardrums
whose souls we make anxious- ill?

and still
the alive will die or ****