this is familiar

i've been here before

have seen eyes melt

fix upon slow movements

turn, spiral, shoot

in solemn immunity

to the spirits that smell gravity

they look down

they look up

see me as peace in the empty

fires that freeze as oxygen

in my guiltless hand

kiss upon kiss under my palm

turn it over and you'll see blood

i hold my own to my lips

a raven whispers into the mirror

bolts press in

sixteen mary style

do you hear the bells ringing?

Beth Elderkin