11. “Ghosts and Empty Cities”

my love sat

collecting dust

wide promises

decayed from rust

though they were fulfilled

hardened and still

to my surprise

and brittle will

with empty cities

and righteous pity

that stayed the hand

tight and steady

i then gave up

i then gave in

the sun had set on

the horizon

of these Great Plains

left for me, untamed

i couldn't leave behind

what was mine to claim

my destiny

did manifest

aimless desire

took all the rest

they whispered pleas to stay with them

to forget my love and die again

my finger slid back into place

upon the trigger, no guilt to face

the hammer pushed each shell ahead

until smoke filled the chamber instead

the demons cried in letters lost

with words unseen by the love i crossed

will i be ready

to leave this empty city?

no more self pity

i think i'm ready

but they haunt me still

they haunt me still