famine

Compulsion passes through my soul as though I am yet nine days old
Like the peas porridge in the pot
I am cold and I am hot
Intermittent phrases pass - in my mind none seem to last
Except those that which torment me
Rising so invisibly
From ashes, yes the ashes of
One of the world’s greatest loves
But let me tell you phoenix-friend
That ice hot fire will burn again
Because embers banked
And steel my soul
For what must now go on below
It is all just one dark night and

I must steady myself for the famine.

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