Commencing

One hand
tensed but strong
reached out.

Wet with rain
slick, slipping
fingers unfurled

losing hold
falling back
falling through, wet with

remembering a broken chain,

motionless breath

backs turned

fog settled

rolling down, quivering
belly, open mouth
sinking under
...through
sand
held

held
by

dust
dampened by
sweat

Imperfections

Cracks in the ceiling
claw marks on the furniture
writing on the wall
no erasing these,
no removing...
the scars
show the journey

the journey
brings the
gifts

Unburied

Lost in
the soles of these
dust-covered boots
rubber-thick
holding bent toes
worn cotton
weakening ankles

until
unseen faces lifted
echoed
cracked in song
whispered shadowed strength


bolstered by brothers
beneath
a life left behind
and a promise
of sunlit sand

found standing solidly
cracked leather
waiting
to rise
to a surface, known
but new