THE LAND BEGS

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as dusk drops
low and heavy,

bodies gather
a thick sludge

between bare,
gray roots ––

ribbed curve
of forest.

*

a neutered stag
emptying

the stomach
of a hunter's baby,

lapping
greenish curds,

warm muscle,
and plum slush.

*

a wild cat
licks her pink paws.

pigeon lays, blood
migrates like the nile.

*

dragging redness
across dead grass,

a girl fell,
shuddering

dark leaves
and loose dirt.

*

the wind slows,
a slug

on a fat branch
thudded

in the pitch of night,
smacking

into black water.

vultures circle
and know.

in throat
of the wood,

the land
begs

for salvation.


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