# 10 Poem by B. Sven Telander

Calibrated frenzy of strident praise that sloth derides
in a domain of forbidden carnivals sharing the store,
where tales are sung by tempter as it walks besides,
optioning a panorama of random scenes to revile or adore;
composing a purging surge of dirges that presides
following protocol of elixir and in the dungeons soar,
invading tombs where sidewinder prophet’s gossip confides,
floating on evening wishes, wealthy as the poor;
licking indecisive whispers while the mind decides
those shadows made of dust cascade on nature’s floor,
and mere kisses made of air occasionally resides
among the peace and kindness hidden in the gore:
blossoming contusions untold price of false devotion
to creeds that preach a need for wages of time’s motion.