Mars Rising

this sweltering season
brought me to my knees
bending like a tender shoot
dancing in your August breeze

Mars is rising

the sickle swings
in silent arc
retrograde
escalate
you took as much
as you could take

the sower reaps
the fire leaps
to haystacks in the field
the planter plucks
all within reach
spear runs through my shield

fangs are bared prepared
to bite the hand that feeds
turn my back on you
in the hour of your greatest need

Mars is rising

the sickle swings
in silent arc
retrograde
escalate
I took as much
as I could take

the wolves approach
the flames encroach
no choice but to yield
the shepherd guts
the teat is cut
spear runs through your shield