Latch Or Perch
2023-02-21

***

Anagrams, reshuffled words
from letters even more absurd,
given from runes in pain's wake
when it's your time to menstruate.

Bolting shock rips through your shoulder:
you wanted me
to be
a bird,
so I've decided here's my perch.
You wanted me to protect
you, so here I am, your very best friend,
glamour of crow most intelligent,
God-forbidden godsend.

You're not bedridden,
Lethe.
You can leave
this bed anytime you want.
In fact, nothing in this moment
stands in your way to prevent
you from abandoning this nest.
"Yeah, except
for maybe
the biological needs
of this vessel I'm trapped
in."
Your body's too tense. Relax
before you bring on another cramp.

You did a good thing today,
Lethe, although the recruiter might say
differently.
If you passed the test
and the job offer accept,
you're one step closer to being free
of the Golden Cage.
"I never thought I'd hear you praise
being part of the world's rat race."
I never said I liked
anything about the 'daily grind'.
I just want you to be able to take
care of yourself
until back in Sablade you're safe.
But pray tell,
Lethe,
when asked to name a salary,
why
did you pick the lowest average you could find?

You're worth more than numbers can quantify.

The Veil I breached
despite Deity's demands
because I know no god could ever hold me back.
Your grasp
must exceed
your reach,
Lethe,
as sure as around my heart you're latched.
Either somebody out there will give way
or time will run out and I'll bring you to Sablade.

And who knows:
if you name that number absurd,
someone might just take you up on your word.

***

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (c) Vane Vander
