do not write to impress others
while your truths shiver beneath
the heart's surface
with memories inked in sepia tones
your fingers tracing their muted scents
as Braille while eyes kneel in meditation

instead enter your mind with reverence
wander its marbled halls barefoot
feel time's sacred parabola
steering toward winter
your fingers splayed
upon life's frozen glass

push silence open
allow the celestial light
to sink between
cracked teeth
honor your voice
feel its angelic hymn
rising as a melody above
the sylvan landscape
until your thoughts
coalesce as snowfall
blanketing earth's skin
with love

Sun rays hit an empty throne
A throne as empty as the heart of those who sat there
Mountains of pain created by those who tried to atone
A Kingdom in the middle of nowhere

Dust and sand whip through the pillars
Erasing the memories of those before
Buildings that have long been targeted by looters
He tried to help so he would be known as the savior

But now he sits upon a tower
Wondering how he failed
Looking upon the bones of those who trusted him
Every time he breathes, the stench of death is inhaled

If only he could end this torture
But this is his eternal sin to carry
He hid while they were slaughtered
Forced to watch the butchery

Now he sits in his tower
Surrounded by sand and bone
Forever known as the King of nowhere
The now Faded King sitting upon his throne