Bullet blows

1.Handles

These sink

into 

the bottom

of lungs

so small

that winter

wears them 

out

for a walk

down 

paths

unfamiliar

and strange

these are

the beasts

that we

feed

and the reason why

we are alive.

2. Comfort

Make me

into these

your fields

of glory

and present

my soul

as a stone

upon the 

hearts of

those

who never 

had a 

choice.

3. Water

Speak now

I beg

to hear

the voice

of a king

and the rapture

of a God.

4. Rope

Your hands

square

like stone

upon this

fragile crest

you call 

a body

made of flesh

and bone

and water

we bathe

in the lather

and stop 

for no one

but,

the sun

5. Baby

Head held

high

upon this

ground

we close

our eyes

and sleep

the day

6. Furious

How do 

I not

wait 

for you

How do 

I not

roll in 

whatever

is left

of hope

and lift

my thoughts

to it ----

STOP!!!

Things will 

never turn 

this shade 

of black

even in the 

fuel of night

when the weather

has struck cold

deep in a 

young man's 

heart.

7. Cluster

Keep the center

of the whiskey warm

freeze the rest

I find it too bitter

salt 

down

sinks

down

d

o

w

n

sails

into icy water

while the snakes

eat our bones

and the pasta

grows cold on

the kitchen table

whiskey warm

is hollow ground

it forms a bond

with the brick

that I must defend

that I will.