Petrified

Screaming

gnashing of teeth

fists of rage

pounding

upon a heated

face.

 

Hot words

cold emotion

family virtue

casting stones at

good-for-nothings

whoring for love…

 

Flames of tension

simmer, never quenched

anxiety burns

thirsty in a soul

dehydrating the spirit

of love.

 

The crowd silently watches

the gladiator

tearing apart

the accused

hearts slowly petrifying

in the grandstand.

 

One day, they will

inflict colossal wounds

on those they love

less and less –

a funeral pyre spewing ashes

once drenched in vinegar.