Laid
It was as if there was no step
or soft seat that did not force
the deep stab and grip of pain
through his frame and thoughts
He had stood well for a time
but then the ill rip-and-burns
filled his limbs with that sear
which fuelled flames in turn
Bad as it was – it was not Death –
He led The Crowd to the pit –
felt his calves lock on the path –
and then sear as if then split
He rocked on his heels to ease it all
whilst he read to them The Truth –
as laid out in the lines for the dead –
but God’s words were still no proof
As the Boxed Man was loose of his ties
and was set down in the earth
his own spine screamed for a seat –
or to lie flat on the peeled back turf
By the time the priest got to his car
all of the Dark Cast were gone –
In the cold groan of the air con
he let out a tear to mourn
That was his last one for The Church –
it had turned its arched back –
to leave him to face an ill grace
and to tear up the old contract