::: Shine :::

[gnutmeg]

my lord is a raven
and I am his crow
circling
ever circling at his feet
like a crown
of thorns or stars, I know not

I lay down to roost beneath his wing
there I am safe

I find
no fear in his dark feathers
for even in his most idling dreams
I am crowned with ice

and the flight we found
though brief
was satisfying in its cause
though countless heavy fallen years
may drown my eyes
panic
and despair painfully tainting alabaster skin

I know
his blackness can draw that poison
cleansing like fresh snow
warm hands to shape me whole

a dim heart
but unforgetful in gratitude
learning to shine
a secretly kingly bird
spreading
this gently nightish wingspan
taking in the snow