Brother slew brother as often
it was. the plundered corpse tossed
from a bridge, body bumping
slithering down, down the
forested gorge to the
rocky stream.

Morning's sunlight pierces
arched shade reflecting motes
of light about dancing insect wings.
Wind and water chuckle in
the ancient skull that sings
a lament far flung from the living

that cherished that face once fair.
The bridge, a temple to lost
youth sanctified by sacrifice
and the admonishing song
of a bone rings out, unheard.