Older

Skeleton trim; skin's acid touch,
Those liver spots look too much,

Like lodestars. No surprise when
Dry days seem darker than nights.

When matt-black migraines, brittle
Insults, drain like lactic from the cup.

How far can you walk without love?
To the end of a life, lived everyday

Out of season- wholly in retribution,
Rising to the shriek from the field.

You rattle your talismans. Ashen,
When resolve comes to grief

On the tree's bald etchings. After all,
The world will wear the rosary,

Thin lips stiffen, memories strain
To catch the sting of eager whips,

The warp of winter lightning.