Word stings and Christ comes,
but precedent to the ‘word’?
Days of darkness, brutal with sun,
stars also: imperative, partisan.
Vaulted term outweighing
the strict reading, the New
Odysseus on a quick raid into Damascus,
concussed with light.
Misogyny of the new world
cords whet lowly colonists
fresh from the mud-warm springs.
Hydrangeas lip white banks,
green on white almond,
frond round intercessory nude bathers,
sounding the deep chambers.
Din and emblem of stupefaction
alternatives flower at the outward
holiness of the bride.
Bride brought, immovable arc
of distance, descent
through crowded skies,
the gruel of stars drained
blue from the complected gold.
Wealthy beds strain and list.
Carriage upended in a muddy field,
bride returning home alone.