New poem for BOHEMIANS OF SESQUA VALLEY

The subtle scream beneath disrupted earth,
The moaning of one mouth beneath the sod,
The choking of one final cry, the dearth
Of air spilled forth in prayer to heedless god --
Allow all breath to cease, allow the stream
Of mortal blood within to stop its course.
Allow the liquid eye to dull its gleam.
Abandon misery, unclench remorse.
Your ache, so lunatic, is realized.
You achieved your fitful mortal goal.
You have accomplished that so highly prized:
The valley has embraced your mortal soul.
You now are kindred with our shadow-race
As you dissolve beneath the Hungry Place.