North, past caged jackal, eagle, camel, cat.
Empires settled in the dust.
Past wheeled-scholars tethered to their mothers hearts.
To the water's edge I come.
Offering.
In my eyes the clenched apple slowly burns.
(Such fire I bear only to unburden).
You clutch your chosen branch.
Watching.
The tiger's roar silences the sea-lion.
Cowers the wind.
Erases the shadows of once bright stars.
Locks upon the air your stare in mine.
Crushes the hopes of these least lonely souls.
