one more for the road

I have taken the cherries from my bowel
And lined them around the edge.
The container once so full
Of red juicy flesh
Sits empty on the kitchen table
The skin begins to wrinkle
And loses color.
As the rest rots away
Only the hard stone in the center remains,
Taunting the world around it.

I offer you what I can.
When I leave for the morning star
Will you shed tears of grief,
Or rejoice for your freedom?
How long will you comfort
My cold body
In the warm recesses of your heart?

I wish for your body to close up
And heal from unfaithful wounds.
Let the angels dress you in white robes
And burden your neck with golden chains.
Do you still wish to carry that scarlet sash
Upon your delicate frame?

I have buried my sword in the sand,
Dripping of blood from vast conquests.
My mighty tower has collapsed,
The captive princess is free once more.
The snake chokes on a rat,
And his evil no longer torments.