The tedium without kisses lasted

until an avalanche of stars

broke the painted canyon open

in a breathing city.

Shale and mica hillsides

that guard the mountain's footpath

flowing with the tears of ice and moss.

Where a clouded sun ran

to the far side, and a moon

remained partly

hidden, behind the shifting maze

of the next day.

Flags on bloody spears

the flesh assembled for plastic gambits

an oceanic eye

where the configured haze

falters in a clear bang.