smeared paint on the bathroom mirror

red and green hand prints stained,

porcelain’s melting embrace

rattled limbs.

the hallway’s axis

flipped

bedroom stripped of spirit

hangers guarded the carpet

cracked boxes

deserted nightstand

bare picture frames

except one

faced down

ours.

–

stumble fumble tumble

fresh slippery floor

let the inside rain

fall

–

by the time sun shrinks from the blinds

nothing but an empty wrist

a clock ticks further down

halfheartedly.

–

kitchen, doors left ajar

all pots

no lids.

the foyer-

ravaged,

nothing but the furniture,

and there,

a plum purple washcloth,

scent of

lavender

–

and

–

coconut.

–

clenched in a grip

swung the front door

and walked.

hear ye hear ye!

go

embrace our champion, ser Christian

dazzle his soles with roses

with your affection!

oh ser Christian, you are so strong

held the young and needy

by the skin of their throats,

Deus Vult!

oh champion, you are so wise

disturbed endless prayers

set torches to their churches,

Deus Vult!

oh champion, you are so brave

crossed with unarmed peasants

constructed a river of their blood,

Deus Vult!

praise thee praise thee, champion

oh ser Christian!

protect these lands!

Deus Vult!

tender fantasy;

atop a spirited colt

nurturing our prized ten-acre

of controlled

wild wilderness.

–

gritty dreaming;

hubba bubba poppin’ over freshly

brushed mounds,

salty breeze and thirty ounces of ash

blasted-

over Coors stadium on a tuesday

summer night.

–

vast idea;

reaching-

reaching- open palmed

to an open night sky on desert’s back

unbound