You’re always on the ground
Curled into a knot of thread
So I circle, pacing around
Pulling threads, tightening instead
So I sink to your level
Searching for a hand to reach
I’d go toe to toe with the devil
For a change to rip the leech
From its place around your neck
I have to coax it from you
Trying to mend the wreck
That spills from your faded hue
You shy away at the slightest nudge
Sinking deeper into the same sore
But when I prod, you budge
Because I’ve seen all this before
Blood still pools in my nail
Black from age and wear
But I didn’t let me fail
And I mended the tear
I didn’t open my eyes for a while
When I did, fresh like a newborn kit
Your hand sticking up from the pile
There you were, torch still lit
So I will always stay near
As you slowly uncurl and re-form
And rise above me
Buried skin now touched by storm
The sacred river burns
But leaves you unbound and free