A stranger in the evening

In a haze long and red

you seized me and you

branded my heart with your name—

ferried turmoil in my veins

crackled bands in my ears

startled me awake

and I felt fire for the first time.

I was under the impression

everywhere

through pain you are born

though pain you bear

you draw strength from weakness

bloom in fissures

grave digger

god killer

That was the truth

But truly, you showed me

on the precipice of delusion

how far I’d gone

how still I swelled

how well I lied

how much you knew

So I pleaded to you.

Untether me from this shifting plain

light up the demons shrouded within and

listen as their discorded throats sputter

the most harmonious chorus.

Sear this blighted expanse

and smoke the sun dogs out of its

sickly furrows

before they bow their heads to unravelling vows. 

Lend me your voice

so I may tame this tumult amidst my monotony

and tonight we shall revel

in the solemn vengeance of victory.

But the next day came like the day before

Only the charred memory

of a stranger in the evening.

And now I long

for you to have

these hearth-borne words, winter-bound:

You are so beautiful to find this place

your name beats to the nostalgia

for your fiery embrace.