flash of steel,

broadsword and armor,

eyes focused straight ahead - never blinking

caverns lit by torch

footsteps edge along - daring not a sound

hilt in hardened palm

shield tied tight around bicept - forearm flexed to hold it

teeth bite a rubbery, quivering lip

bead of sweat slithers past temple,

hissing along burning skin,

finding shelter only in stubble

rain too late in a barren forest

whose trees stand twisted, rotting, lifeless

corpses forgotten, decay, a silent spectacle

a needle hole in fertility

three stitches, earth's scar.

sword plunges true

its fiery kiss

courses through veins

adrenaline saliva

a hero's dance, far from Camelot

shadows flickering on the wall

fade

and fall away.

*** Respectfully dedicated to Layne Staley, Brad Nowell and all  ***

*** of the other heroes who have lost this insurmountable battle. ***