fragile thoughts

under the canopy of darkness

within shards of pain

ripped into pieces

blood drops that stain

seeping soul through anguished tears 

something rose through ashen flesh

stoic spirit kissed with death

thrice embraced to the brink seduced

wove a heart that held the truth

beneath the wounds within the child 

arose a woman pagan wild

what I see when in her grasp 

are tender mercies

love's repast