Take in those gulps
Those long, patient breaths. 
the shuddering, creaking reminders,
flowing through empty halls
carrying with it
a salted, stinging brine
called retribution;
exaltation thru exhalation.

a hush
a loosening of eyelids tightly shut
running blood, piping hot
thru cooler humors, once stung
by memory, we are a mercy
to ourselves, forgetful fools
benign, in the burning fiefdoms
of power and glory
forever and ever
amen.
shh. 
much as a candle goes out in the cold
wick saved for longer, colder nights.