dispassionate
yet fundamental ciphers,
too old to be
cherished, and yet
still considered treasures;
imperatively
given by dead-
ends to unknown futures—
helplessly passed, in fact,
from one breath
to the next;
holders of the keys
to these perilous
identities,
so charged-
full of significance that they
can hold no meaning;
uselessly impervious
as gem-encrusted
coffins, yet
comforting to recognize
as stillness
in the morning?
