Cold – Page 56 – Iron Haiku

a cavernous void
of fears and uncertainty
filling drop by drop
–
darkening forest
a deep growl
in the distance

spying Earth from space
a hard reminder of our
insignificance
–
a sand grain
amidst the
multitude

faintly glowing stars
the ancient light a missive
from the distant past
–
a moonless night
our path defined
by starlight

blinded by hatred
enrobed in the ignorance
of what love can be
–
midnight-
groping for
the light

what makes one man think
he can be judge, jury, and
executioner
–
monsters
in the closet
only a mirror

silently stoic
the weathered lighthouse still stands
off in the distance
–
the setting sun
barely visible
through the fog

I shed my skin and
hang another skeleton
deep in my closet
–
alone
with my fetid
alter ego

after a brief rest
a bevy of mourning doves
suddenly takes flight
–
released
upon wings
across the sun
dedicated to Philip Rigney

it’s just a small cut
and it’s the last time, I swear
until the next one
–
self destruction
a trail of history
on my arms

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return
–
waiting-
trying not
to lose hope