diagnose
reduce to comatose
Mortal
:

I.
edges of leather boots
punching veins
staggering skin cells
succumb to malaise

II.
soaked polyester
sticking to rough, pale skeleton
rouge, seeping shafts
stretch, crave, salivate
hungry

III.
sweet, solemn flames
send illusions of escape
flit, float, desire
twist ghost delusions to life

IV.
eyes twitch
mild rays peek through
poison clouded windows
--pet, pet the pillow of sanctuary

:
hot water is the blanket
that blends with the Child's tears
comfort, return
a nap for the bloody eyelids
sleep, sleep, o Child
Time is not your pastor