Species of Abandoned Light

blue in green


We were smuggled
across the border
into time

by subversive
angels
through cracks
in the empire

& my father
wondered why
as an infant
I'd cry so long

What a Pitiful destiny
singing
with Your tongue cut out

though we articulate

a million

silent

voices

Loudly!

some human
some not

we do, after all,

owe the angels their due

& the demons
no different
for services rendered

love, food, music
by the dark arts

all Of it scandalous
& Punishable

I climb
out of a pit
of dreams
and see the boat of Osiris
fading fast
over the horizon
into night

civilization
is dying

thank god

whoever it is
next time,

(a Chorus of
overwhelming voices
crying from
great Fields?)

I hope she is merciful
& we can help nurture
her into being

before we are smuggled
back into each Other

from: Species of Abandoned Light
Jake Berry

a word of explanation
this is taken through the letterbox of an electrician's workshop, abandoned over a quarter of a century ago when the owner died. its doors have remained locked ever since