the landscape of the alpine

the landscape of the alpine – voyage two

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the gap where
trail widens
an arboreal graveyard pours
out, tonguing rolled hills
where there is only body
and land
and two ravens
keeping watch over head
words do not need
this place not
the way i need
it to open
lungs wide

so return
to fractures
because it is what is known
drain-ward and swishing
on this windswept
but tunneling mountain
breathing harder here
where air is laced
with sweet grass
and alpine dirt
maybe a hint of chamomile
when the words of others
penetrate, go be perched
upon a tumble
tenderness kissing feet
as jagged edges come up fast
rockface plastered with ruin
low vibrations in lichen
caressing these ample surfaces
no need to speak
not here
not now

the sun resumes
its daily dip behind
a face of features
cast in sudden shadow
masking the charade
whistle worn and blown
when rust is easy

on the tongue
expected even
when the energy of trust
is a blank
wild canvas
rot deep
in the woods
chill undressing the veins
but of course
i cannot help
coming back.

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