Deep Black Element Poem by Shalyn Stachmus

Where do the skies go,
while we decay underneath?
Why do the tides shrink and grow
where we hide solidity?

'Because it falls to the very bottom and- '

(Hard landings were made for faster falls.)

'- you already know that you can't- '

(Faster falls frighten the bravest of all.)

'- bring it back to its former aspiration.'

(And all we know, we deem as more...)

'What's done is most certainly done.'

(Then frantic fear soon comes to the fore.)

Where do the flies go,
when we shoo them out the window?
Why are their lives so sad to see,
while we kill each other so easily?

'After all, aren't you still to blame for disaster? '

(And there's more of wanting, and less of will.)

'How foolish to think that nothing else matters- '

(So briefly, we'll change our minds until...)

'- And how tactless too, to roam about as blind as alive.'

(Such chance of change becomes easy to ignore...)

'Such a pity you likely won't change this time.'

(And like that, all we know is dull like before.)


Why do we hate their aimless flight,
when we can make ourselves alright?
Why do they fly? What do they know?
Whatever we say, we still move too slow.