mercy

mercy is
deep
as twilight
and as broad
as prairie sky
drop a few coins in her
well and watch
thoughts sink
to new depths
overwhelmed
but gone after given.
all that lives on in the distance
are small copper fires
floating
with occasional
impetuous
eternal glisten.

some things are received
more soundly
unsaid.
we grate against the void

(loss of understanding)

that threatens death
upon we who live to know. but,
in the severe movements of silence,
idol gods die.
hearts burn - bear fire -
and grow.

winged bird of hope
return to my breast
with gentle song
tarry
within my heart,
build a nest.

Sabbath has become strange to me.
I rest in corners, clutch at shadows
write poetry on the floor of
library avenues.
Feeling as if I set a table for rest
it would be unwilling come, or
it wouldn't be fresh.
So I gather up scattered
flowers of sleep
into a fragrant bouquet born,
alas, from uneven peace
send up a prayer, set down to hope
til Sabbath return
upon my broken busy world.