whine of wind through human bone

the drone of the kangling rises

like the stench of sulphur springs

curling from naked rock

steaming in the air

fear sucks fog from your mouth

it seeps into stone, swelling,

cracking the ribcage of the mountains

letting them breathe

the vulture glides on the inhalation of the world,

mineral blood dripping from its wingtips

how can a creature rust if it never lies still?

a life without sacrifice is lonely

energy in stasis, body heat breeding bacteria

your ego is cold and dense; cough it up

bile burns away rot;

roll in it.

///

the smell of iron settles in stale air 

so seek your relief until the vultures come 

take my hand, hollow me out,

bring the sky to the core of me

I will become the wind skimming over the water

rippling through white fabric

carrying the smell of smoke and the sound of voices

I will become the warmth rising from the hot springs 

and the mud staining the lammergeier’s wings

I will become the violent green rush of a river

and the tears falling down a child’s face

bone-breakers, sky-dancers,

lift me from the earth;

bury me in the clouds 

and I will fall back down as rain.