the first face of power
is the hand on your throat
the second face of power
is the bone under your eyes
the third face of power
is the shadow behind them
and in your lungs.
but the dark at the back
of your mind,
shuddering,
in your chest--and in
your mouth,
under your hands
shaking,
is the grave of kings.
the dark
under your feet,
wavering,
in the falling ash
of whatever empire
is a curse like a prayer
to a far-off god,
spreads to meet the shadow
behind you
but a living one
is closer,
and smiles on it.
