Cain the Redeemer

Swaddled in golden down, the heroes

repose; the feathers of the caressed 
swan fill their shirts. A crippled beast 

cowers in the forest, wearing his eye 
like a purple moon—fluttering.

A carnivorous sedge carves the tongues 
of lovers. Stars erode the talk of ages

and hurled rock;

The birth of light disappears 
into a darkened city.

Spent breasts maintain a ceiling

of unsustainable evil—generations ill-prepared

to outfit the winged grandchild: the upturned crown, 
Gotham’s moon slipped in smoke.

Citizens, toss back the criminal’s goblet, 
embrace your demon emerging from the lake.