sluggishly, your arrows hit as if to sanction a permanent
scar on my fragile yet once war-paint-crimson skin

his lies scamper slowly up narrow ribs, then shoulders
on the dirt road near my heart to blind me once again

damage ego begot mournful passive-aggressive rain
enjoy the cleansing sound, but never forget the refrain

press clay upon the hole to stop her anemic blood
her beliefs, honor, safety, and joy wash away in toxic flood

memory, intellect, and talents he did burn
gasp, choke, dry leaves, trees, and prize ostrich fern

damage ego begot mournful passive-aggressive rain
enjoy the cleansing smell, of petrichor but never forget the refrain

hold head majestic and sashay like tufted titmice, a peerless tiny bird
promise, never let another human stop your freedom song from being heard