Golden fringe
of the scratched
charcoal smiles.

Spring's gardens of winter
adrift in the yard
stalks drawing
undisturbed air.

Rock whipped paths
that circle what has bloomed
and departed.

Radiant dark
of the earth
that hides fire.

Chains in a glaze of rust
link's baby fingers
drawn apart by the dense
clay moon.

Cathedrals streaked with
barnacles and moss
the paint badge of lichens
alive on the steeple's aim
and lint stabbed organ
tail fondling stinger and fang.