Spotlights, reflected

off the gold celebrity:


image on image.

Emperors on their

pedestals look over me --


into an old time.

The row of medals

divert people's attention --


from his worn-out suit.

The voyage to my soil is long ahead
while my fire still burns in my mind.
Pirates that dwell in the murky waters
sleep with one eye open,
to loot the treasure of
my destination they can never reach.

To the oceans I sail on, I have a last wish.
When they shoot their canons
towards the timbers of my ship
that I sought to build with all might,
swallow me in with my ship and all
before they shiver my timbers.

Lest they get hold of my honour.

I am no longer running away
from what I said.
They know and I know
I am smart,
so never again will I lie saying,
"I don't know."
But God give me the strength to say,
"Yes.
No.
Out of respect for my privacy,
I do not wish for you to know."
-shevaun stonem

I love you,
For thy love stands firm
Upon the summit of grace
Unbent to fickle nature, burning
In vain to defile that which makes
Thee,
Altogether ideal I Instinctively,
Fall short to mirror.

While I was drowning in
Mine sins you stretched
Out thy right hand unto me,
Unbinding her age-old grip
Over me, for good.
Thank you.

Her scent is forgotten,
Mine flesh made clean,
How warming to
Know,
He deems me family.