Monuments - Rich Shapero, Elsiane

Where is Tongue pointing now?

Where is Tongue pointing now?

Striking a path through flames spouting

Wind urging at your back

Deepening shadows

Naked footprints found as you’re going

Coils of smoke

Clay, tumbled ground

Burnt bodies curled and piled

Why are they here?

Sacrifice

See an altar bare

And a writhing pair

Above it a stair

Offer to whom is unknown

Painted for you alone

Where is Tongue pointing now?

Reach the top

Where is Tongue pointing now?

Reach the top

Towering flames appear

Your temple or mine?

You fear

Why have I brought you here?

Monuments in the clear

Monuments far and near

Monuments waiting here

Arrayed on shelves, filling the heights

Or standing alone

Quiet souls

Torching flames that snake and wind

Veiled in smoking grays

Coiled and frayed

Proud, you can see

Rounded by the winds now

Their faces you read

All the faces and feelings

Lost or achieved

I saved the moment

Saved the moment

Saved the moment

Saved

Permanent, love

I’ve saved the moments

Saved these moments

Saved these moments

Saved

Permanent now

Monuments now

Monuments for you now

Monuments