in the old stories (poetry)

[electricalgwen]

Go read snowpuppies' stunning Willow/Tara ficlet Enough. Wonderful.

It reminded me that I'd been meaning to post this here. Written for madame_meretrix in the most recent round of fan_ku - Willow, after Tara's death.


in the old stories
hearts could be removed, kept safe
in boxes, or birds,

hidden from those who
sought to destroy, made secret,
defense against death.

how then to deal with
this loss? the covenant ark
is broken and spilled,

the spreading blood is
from her own heart, though it beat
in another breast.

she chose a bad place
to hide her heart, too open,
too vulnerable,

too human. she's seen
alternatives, mad futures,
burnt-out shells of worlds -

they now seem a thing
most greatly to be desired.
bring down the power.