Lantern Hills

[Ray W]

Upon dirt-floored forestside the poorest lie
after time and toil remind them to die.
Unfastened from the yoke of life, grassroot song
taps out tales of folk and faith moseying along.

Unrestrained by flesh and vein priceless blood-voice
refreshed by sunny day runs mice-like every which way--
carried carefree like grains of dew still moon-moist
by a choral breeze to dawn-cheeked petal and leaf sound-swayed

to turn a learned eye or ear, replay earth-friendly tones
pollinating picture-words that stick to skin and bones
causing tears of fog-thick joy to dusk lid-heavy light
and for a split-second...pause marauding night.

[Jim Mathias]

A hint of Poe weaves about here.