Ars Poetica - by Lily

Once upon a time
there was an end

skipping rope laughter
and dragons in the sky days
are over
child, your hood frames a struck face

Where was your guide?
when you jumped onto trains
without drivers
forgot to read the destination sign

stepping off onto stations
laying eyes upon souls
you never imagined existed

we rang the mercy bells
pulling tight your strings

The enchanted ones
the beautiful hands
that held out treats
then beat upon your cherishes
with incensed deception

I scrubbed your skin raw
trying to rid
you
of the qualms that stained

we stitched madly
you, undone

they didn't believe you could walk again

You locked an ember in a dark room
and scars keep you within their reach

please

Shells are not tempted by honey
and band aids soak off in water
drown me baby....


~Lily