Serpentiform

 

1

 

amassed a mask of masochism

the masonry a mass of schisms

a nemean mime forever dividing it

self into character-constructing polarities 

and the sound of the pendulum swinging is

teeth scraping tarmac amid sweet Satanic 

anchors of lavender for an ancient mis

guided ritual for gorgeous reclusion 

 

2

 

you must respond at all costs, ego-first 

to the smelly summer fires of public discourse 

cringe and all - all for a gimmicks-worth

of words and the likeness of a person's existence 

 

3

 

there is no out but inward, serpentiform

ouroboros Jesus bless us and save us

a slave's bust of marble for the tourist's frantic fuss

a soul-shaped trust held out in earnest 

for the gallows gangrenous focus 

there's refreshments in the dungeon 

but the gift-shops locked up from 

bomb threats and bad luck

and the tour guide is on the roof

not afraid of the jump but 

dying as yet another no one so

he's coming down the stairs now

to shed himself before us all 

please make your way to the foyer for

someone you once knew is presently crawling 

directly from his final personality