a tribute to the sun

in and amongst 
the empty caverns
of dust and broken blades
bones splintered in the distance
cracking silver shatters 
in the bright daylight

from our cave
i watched as you
tracked in struggle
with the tears left 
in rivers down your cheeks

our dirt leaving 
trails among trees
open wounds to drag
barren across sodden earth
rich in blood and toil

the fire showering shrapnel
molten coals to burn 
the gentle cloth 
wrapped round your aching ears
a tribute to the sun 
that had soaked its warmth
in softer days
before the storm

crawling through traps
of mountain passes
you trip again 
unseen fingers gripping 
tight around your throat
to stop the words of ache
escaping your chapped lips

i thought better not to ask
lest you break before me
trickling to dust
before i can reach you again
sapped in the dark
of lost webs