#mythology collection

Ⅲ.Harpyia

Wing-cast shadow howls as it rains
claws like libations poured to praise
the gods of hubris.

Limbs draw blossoms in breaking
like the walls of Pompeii have once drawn
nectarine rivers of liquid flame;
but these talons born in gold and copper
will never know such beauty in their cause
as the city of Pompeii knew in its peril.

Tartarus is far when Zeus’ masqueraders are singing
(the song of splintered bone).

Ⅱ.The Ferryman

Dead birds fall like a titan’s lung collapsing;
raining feathers in tiptoed steps
swept away by current.

Within the confines of his boat
he is the body of a haunted house -
chalk faces float beneath his oculus uterque
like ghosts behind windows of too-thick glass.

The waters part and dissipate
with cries of prayers lost
as he draws his path across stygian abyss
where forgetfulness is made and paid for
in blinding coins of gold.

Ⅰ.Our Lady of the Underground

Berries wilt between her teeth
where legends have been swallowed
like the rain of starving leaves swallows
her in aching hunger for the sun.

Among crisp air’s dwelling spirits
She is a beacon of morphine dreams
danced to birdsong,
hoarse sound of awakening.

Poppies sprout from her feet,
roots breathing worship
in fallen hero’s bended knee.