Trying not to live

Keep a calm face and a calm body.
These ornaments cannot handle
the weight of a full soul. Hold tears within
when a war is passing. There'll be no arms
to catch your fallen body if you walk
on the grass of other timid feelings.

There's a blackbird tied up in guitar strings
near the doorway that is a barroom ceiling;
there's a captive in red at the top of the stairs
in the house where all bill-collectors are slaughtered
and grace has rudely conquered karma.

The imprint where a cherished body lay
is glowing with a slow-growing flame.
The coals on the blanket & a baby's softest hair.
Surrounding shelves stripped empty
of everything you've ever read.
What was once the rough charcoal sketch of a life
violently about to be painted in.