awake

these reputable sins were continuous
something familiar that flitted by unnoticed
sleek within its journey,
like the nicotine silhouetting linens
the fingerprints clinging to the walls

it took a little more than honesty to abolish it
but i think the stain has finally gone

washed away when i was sheet white in october
though i woke up green on november morning
the frost beckoned me closer to the window,
and i gazed hungrily at the shroud covering the street

struck in awe and finally dazed
i found those weary roads had been paved,
the icicles formed frail railings for the elderly
traditional snowflake gowns were being resown
into crisp carnation crops,
where the most beautiful winter blossoms were grown

and i’m feeling exonerated by the cold
the harsh wind on my face has snapped my eyes open
leaving the birdcage of obscurity and questionable purpose open and vacant,
its hangings abandoned and solemn

the wind will continue to chime
and for now, the ringing in my ears will be enough
until the church bells ring,
until i can hear those angels sing.