Mechanics of Metamorphosis

He dies and we’re at the

edge of the world quivering —

lost in the future’s lies.

Swords drawn

we march into minds

circling, sparring.

Why snaps past most clearly,

points to the grave we’ve tended,

plot that left us whittled

fine as balsa,

conjoined at the throat

by free will’s love.

Destiny pounds

demonic on the door.

We hide

even as she slides beneath

like earth off a shovel.

Within her gravelly wrath

we embrace the why of it

while how reads from

time’s scroll, records

hands gentling boulders

from bent spines.

Poisoned, you tend me;

broken, I coddle you.

Thorns buried in our skin

shake loose then fall.

As how advances to now

palate and throat butter,

allow pristine words,

clear-cut tales of once.

Together we walk alleys,

the boulevards of place,

unearth amber’s heat,

an apothecary’s remedy:

sibyllic sorcery.