and here, the robin's nest
brimming with the most
fragile of all hope.

there is copper and rust,
koi swimming, tender roots,
poppies blooming,
monarch wing set against blue sky.
patina and worn leather.

beating hearts and tired hearts.
new hearts and a louder beating
beneath all these things.

and all the while, the fire is burning.

i know much about the living.

i know even more about the dying.