as we escape
the burning landscape
I’m draw
to the safety of the hills
where the scent of grass
still lingers with the smoke
in this village
we’ve built ourselves
carved from our own hands
the children play today
and, someday, will walk away
beneath the corners
while the sky turns gray
and she is out there still
somewhere undefined
as night brings news
along the snake paths
to our dark-filled hearts
we set sail for the faintest
glimmer of light beyond
the sea’s horizon
in that space
between our senses
as they come into focus
slowly formed
she sketches me
in colors that bring
life to this day’s gray