The Way of Water



"Silent watchman on the wall
beam a hand's breadth from me now
scorch of gaze forsaking sleep
radiant brand to char my brow
fire by night I plead release
how you press me, how I bow."



           ~~~~



Ink to hand & mist in a swirl
of coming dawn--
a baptism worthy
(the interminable black
of water)
to soften blood
           just below form

Water knowing water
blood bidding blood
the way it wills

The flip of motion
in a thoat-rattled sigh
to swallow itself Whole

For only Light has more power
& cruel knowing--
Silent Watcher
          of the way of water,

the cry of blood,
its boundless thirst calling up from the earth--
          Naming holiness
from ashes--

Blood-hunger for  
           level
its ruined softness, the tendered places--
Purity in stillness

& the caved lips of
sleep.