as i shed
this skin
like a diseased
pauper
loosing my
spoiled meal
into the gutter
of indignant spite
the wretched clouds
that mask
the cerulean skies
cast naught
but bitter spittle
down
to smear the rot
of this
incomprehensible
failing
across
the cobblestone streets
that spiral
leading deeper
into the nowhere
of lost ambition

seeking
one golden ray
to light
the catacombs
of selfish desire
guiding the way
to less repugnant
dreams
still incompatible
to the yearnings
and keening cries
of the rapturous
raptors
that circle
waiting
for the feeble bones
to crack
serving up a feast
of famine
for the talons
of retribution