Autumn Lost Her Heartbeat

Clutching your letter with
scaly white knuckles
itching irises, bloodshot sting
locked by scripture
flaking dust from stone
lips, chafing gums against
the sculpture, frozen in time
grab me as shy monarch flutters
lifeless to the marble chamber
pulsing withers, what is left?
what is left?
autumn closes in on sun orbs
shadowy deep
forever sleep