The failing light has grown pale
And you cradle yourself in sleep
The honey of our words has gone stale
And our betrayals collect and creep
Upon lips cracked and quiet
That ransomed away tomorrow
My widowed tongue, celibate
With no lovers left to borrow
Fractured vows bind these walls
A new phantom from every glance
Seeking absolution in amber dolls
Vile and clever masks of romance
A heart waxed with disease
A man waning with shame
An idol bent upon bruised knees
A whore humbled and lame
Porcelain marrow where strangers rest
Symptoms of the guilty and hungry
Coveting this wretched mess
Its choking and filthy, what’s inside me
Perfectly and brilliantly decayed
Steal my secrets and my name
Offer penance for the betrayed
Forsaking whispers and forcing flame
Poison to pen – and script a hallowed lie
Pillow to cheek – you build withered hands
Guilt to muse – a vexed promise that must die
Estranged to tongue – I slumber despite our bands
