Softness serves no master

This labor began in love-

scars carved into earth flesh and
stone, its carcass laid down,
an offering
discarded under boot heels and
laughter;
we have seen this before

The ruined cities of our empire beckon

your hair the flaming and bloodied banner
held aloft-
staff of thigh bone, sinew, eyes of flashing liquid
gold,
perfect and defeated

I banished my softness for this

armour of raven wing, broken-off
eyeteeth and rib bones, obsidian
flake, volcanic fury and
venom-

the molten heart still shudders beneath