The universe growls, sleeping gods wake;
a sleepless people wait the executioner
for the signal that revenge is sweet.

It runs deep through helpless people holding portraits
of their savior
       in linen sheets.

A devourer breathes inward to quiet desires.
The man does not hear as he proposes to the woman.
He does not hear words of solace as they fall out
the beaks of monstrous birds circling to spot

a fish they caught six centuries ago.