Time's Breath

Time, a fragrance
suspended in
the middle of
an empty hall,
a fond memory
fading like
an afterglow.
Portraits,
tired and hung
from silver
gallows
depicting lives
with thorns
under foot.
Strained smiles
in dusky eyes
impatient for
the virtue
of patience
to run through
their blue blood,
shadows without
the chastity
of solar light.
A child flying
round this
burning world
on a magic carpet,
a candlestick
to slay
the dragon
breathing realities
cold fire.
Shoulders shiver
a dance with
silence,
the hall left
behind
the faces
staining the
wallpaper
as they retreat
from time's
steady breath.