this is a place

of deception

of seduction

a place where honesty

denies its existence

where people mistrust

themselves

because they can’t trust

the god in their heart

a place where

hell is ubiquitous

as wild flowers in spring

a place where words

are wrung like rags

until all our blood 

has drained

into the earth

where we stand

(April 15, 2024)