there is mercy
between these hips
forgiveness
concealed
on the tender inside
of these thighs
redemption in the breath
celebration
as a drop of sweat
rolling across the throat
foundations
that strengthen
with the tremors
beneath the skin

dreamers waiver
before the gates
man now flown by kite
philosophies and fantasies
in pursuit of perfected paradise

there is only here and now
deliverance to the other side
through what is found
in the holiness of the flesh
and the eternal dream
of mortals with desires
in dirty sacred rites
beneath the sky
and on the ground