This torn typography
of healed glyphs
a stuttered ancient
alphabet in skin
spells warrior tales
of battles lost
and gained
and homecomings
hard won
their meaning
barely touched
with fingertips
and gentle lips
to give them honor due
survivors
home to hearth
and loving arms
far-eyed survivors
who hear yet
the clash of arms
from distant corners
of the sky.
About the Author: Munro Sickafoose is a writer, artist, and editor of the online journal Coyote Madonna.
Copyright © 1995 by Munro Sickafoose. The poem first appeared in The Armless Maiden, published by Tor Books. The poem may not be reproduced in any form without the author’s express written permission.