in us history
we are learning about
the civil war
and nearly every class
i am forced to hear
your name
Georgia
had one of the largest
slave populations
in the united states
so nearly every class
my heart
like sherman's neckties
is wrenched out and
twisted beyond repair

You are my final parade to the guillotine,
Last utterance until nevermore to be heard,
Last blade that I am to plunge in my guts—
It’s wretched and cruel yet I pursue.

I could not fathom the face of death
Nor the face of life itself,
For what lies between
Is the unmarked grave of the world.

I live through your breath;
Death is my only carriage;
Heavens and hells, we travel
and dare seek the freedom of sin.

Red lips as stark as the scent of spring,
You’ve the soul of the sun wrapped around you,
Bathing suffocating gold to whatever nears—
Maria, you slay the world with your touch.

Religious storms pray for your guidance,
Furious waves drench the lighthouse to darkness,
The twang of twilight left unheard of—
Maria, you slay the world with your touch

You melt the deceiving kiss of winter,
Carried the everlasting echoes of wailing bells;
You have laid death on your white wool—
Maria, you slay the world with your touch.

Smile as harsh as the melody of a bird’s song,
Stare as gentle as the touch of rose’s thorns;
Breathless discord depletes to effeminate thoughts—
Maria, you slay me with your touch!

the flesh
and bones of humanity
   strike the ground

pressed
distressed
   and broken

your brother's
   extinguishing breath
your sister's
   draining blood
there in crushing
   darkness
          
reverberate
   annihilate

vultures/drones circling
   overhead

this is how
heading home
   becomes a crime scene

can we burn slowly?