finches scatter from the bell tower
like lost notes.
her scent on a handkerchief
folded in his palm.
light flutters;
his misshapen shadow
leans on breathless stone,
granite gargoyles weep stone tears.
he grabs the hempen rope and leaps.
the flames of grief climb the stairs.
the hunchback is in the bell tower
swinging from the church bell,
a single bell tolls for the love
he cannot give.