KNOT

1.

An aftermath
of the future. M

brought chilled lips,
trembling fingers to

the messenger, his
own forgetfulness.

“Oh,” he thought.

2.

In the stillness of
morning, the moorland

lay under its thin
cover of mist.

A song echoed
in the courtyard,

blood dripping audibly.

3.

At the foot of
the closed door, M cried.

Every star that shone,
every wind that blew

turned the wheel.
The mountain,

like a sanctuary, rang out.

4.

“Oh,” M threw back
at

the blue sky,
the rafters of air.

Thinking
lifted out of

itself
into words, pages

of pleading
and prayer behind him.

5.

“St. Or
who crossed the seas,

will weakness return
me to

the mill
roofed in dull, impassive

silence? I
haven’t loved you

enough.
I’m a wild beast.”

6.

“Now, you
could never love me.

I’ve no
right to ask you to.”

But if
there was another name

for love…
That twisted pole-star,

the blankness of
despair.