it began
when the tree was cut
and taken inside
still breathin
still wet with cold
separate and refusin to die
roots torn from trunk
reachin
callin down
into a frozen earth
that rejects gods
who no longer grow tall
sap ran thick and dark
steam liftin from it
breath leavin a body
that hadn’t agreed to stop
it pulsed
slow and deliberate
smellin the air
searchin for somethin warm
rememberin mouths
rememberin hunger
rememberin
how long it could wait
they dragged it across the floor
needles scratchin warnins into wood
iron driven in
to make it stand
bolts tightened
til the trunk split
just enough to obey
water was poured
into its wounds
to keep it breathin
to keep it standin
to keep it useful
blood soaked into the roots
the tree of life is dimming
hope diminished
sing they say
“hark the herald angels sing”
the words took hold
like a bindin
Shining strips
Tossed like
forgotten wishes
Landing haphazardly
Wonder upon wonders
Edge into thoughts
Of tin bells and fallen
Tear drops
“Joy to the world’
A star placed above
To flicker its last light
Into the darkest of nights
lights wrapped tight
to keep the dark from leakin out
glass hung from its branches
thin
breakable
as vows
the needles did not wait
they spread low
patient
mappin heat
memorizin paths
the floor leaned into their language
softened
gave a little
where the stand pressed
hands went to the piano
outa habit
outa fear
fingers pressin ivory
searchin for cheer
askin for cover
as the air thickened
the keys sank
but no sound followed
again
harder
pedal down
weight thrown into it
nothin
old wood refused
sound sealed behind bone
it knew the difference
between music
and feedin
the room began to groan
not song
not prayer
pressure
tightenin its jaw
branches shuddered
glass clicked together
like teeth bitin
lights burned hotter
the floor darkened
beneath the stand
this was not celebration
this was keepin
this was sacrifice
and the house understood too late
that what had been brought inside
what had been meant for joy
would not leave
not while it was still
hungry
Powerfully penned, 253 & Fia. Excellent collaboration you two. Appreciate you, both.
Damian
Thank you Damian;))
Thank you for collaborating with this. It’s always fun seeing how a piece will turn out :))
This reads like a Christmas tree sacrifice.
Almost pegan-ish.
Cleverly orchestrated by the both of you:)
Great collaboration guys!
Thank you Adel;))