I saw her pass
my door today
some bubbles had risen
to the surface of her skin
popping with a softness
the quiet hiss
a last breath leaves

she wanders on
no sound of her own
cold white prints
ashes fall like snow
death knows color
beyond dark and grey
she braids her hair with golden silk
a king tried to bribe her with yesterday

I leave my shelter
run
to follow where her shadow leads
life has dried my soul to a crust
and where she walks
lay puddles of salty tears
they will not save me

but they will feed my thirst
drench my mind in purpose
help me forget
I walk on broken feet

until she catches sight
of her only follower
she will call my name
and set me free

KH