Corruption’s maw with sulphur closed
Pain’s blind press forgotten,
Night’s walking fears fled
And winter’s hardness softened.
Unanswered cries gave no echo.
A woman’s waiting deepened.
The verdict long considered
As dog days greened and feted.
A single chalice raised in blessing
To fill the desert’s silent chasm.
Our boon to taste its sweetness
When shadows lengthened into mist.
War’s clamour grows closer.
Words to open the book forgotten.
Feet black frozen, eyes vacant,
Flowers strewn for darkness coming.