A fresh gloss of aged Merlot
carved into asymmetry,
twinkling with swallowed remarks
atop layers of saliva.

How long shall it take
for dust decayed
to release its grasp
of skin unrelenting?

A bundle of sage
half-burned
rots in the ultraviolet.

Cypress woods crumble;
caress the overgrowth
underneath the canopy,
whisper affirmations
to welcome its demise.