Desert Grave

Disinterred dishonourably, from powdered soil's warm sleep

Fine stone-wrought words reduced to sand no longer make us weep

Earth cleaves and mummifies below her heavens' cloudless keep

Unforgivable

These eyes have seen ten summers pass
since last they saw your face
Now every morning's ruddy skies
light up a million dew-filled eyes
to watch my fall from grace

This mouth has breathed ten winters out
since last it spoke your name
Now every evening's cloud-scuffed snow
sets gloomy northern pines aglow
to heat my cheeks with shame

Lothario's Epistle

Beguiling silver tongue weaves pale and perfect lip-sung lover's letters

Parchment harp's stringed eloquence now bites with toothless velvet fetters

Flattery's exquisite chains make love's impulses willing debtors