256 years

Mad Hatters & cambrics
thistle & sage
replace the mask--turn down the page

we rumble--we thrash
upon life's canvas
searching endlessly

for the pink-clove scent of dianthus

follow that trail of bread crumbs & stout beer
thru forests & hollows
to the shores of our prickly fears

wait there alone in the still of mid-winter
as January's moon thru your bones sends a shiver

collect your token

pay the ferryman
don't gaze in his eyes or you'll never know land again

jump from the craft to an island of stone
dance thru the fog 

          and sing of your home

sing loud & ferocious
all thru the night
sing honest & sure
and hold your soul tight

snowflake whispers & cinnamon tears
cherries

        a paintbox and 256 years

there in the breeze
comes the spice of pink william
ancient secrets of love
star-dust vermillion

breathe it in swift
to the marrow of bone
breathe in the moonlight
       and know you are home

Mad Hatters & cambrics
thistle & sage
lay down your mask

...turn the page