the raven

when last did i hear
the whispered softly clear
as if your heart
was mine own ear
come near

what moves you from your hunched defeat
what earthquake cracks those concrete feet?
what goddish purpose so divine
sparks within our wretched night
that words spill forth in liquid light?

don't be timid, shy or coy
be you man or barely boy
be you craven, crone or goy
share your word, despair or joy

for you are brother, sister, friend
i await you on the other end
at mine domain
address the first letter in mine first name
and any worthy raven send

or better
let the ravens rest
and give a horse a worthy test
race scouts ahead as messengers
i await your true
and bless-ed words

Chase Tyler Nelson