softly from altar boy by printing shed

you were born with rivers in your palms
black lace woven through stars
unseen, the sky is dark
from veins they grew, a hidden path to roots

you took your knotted spine and threw it to the sky
still and petrified

i've watched you break wooden bones
and measure limbs to build a home
hold your head low, grow your hair long
and we will sleep when winter comes

it's not the river's fault if it's been bled to dust
the birds will grieve for home if they find the tree's been cut

wood floats where it's hollow
i'll take this raft and build a boat
with walls that hold, welcome light and snow
set out to sea, hope we find a home

• Folk
• cathedral
• queer
• trans
• Boston