Momento Mori — Remember You Must Die Poem by Sally A Mortemore

the seagulls fly 
through cracks in 
torn-down windows. invisible 
screeches catching on glass. their avian 
feathers in mind's-eye only. for this room creaks 
with age. locked in flocks of mired-angels. wings 
still beating. but for now. incapable of flight.

eyes tire under fires of 
papered-embers. hovering the 
ceiling. seeping the plaster. a soft descent of 
tissued-particles floating in slow motion. to land. exquisite. 
upon the faces of the upturned as they proffer arms 
outstretched in sacrifice.

dear god. is there nothing more for me to ponder.

then at the windows 
webbed feet slam the panes 
breasts rattling frames like marbles. dark mouths 
brandished wide with snake-like tongues. they've found me. 
and my back grows wings. to leave the ones who so desire departure 
to sit and wait. whilst i consider their retiring natures. mine. 
a dance on loose-wet-sands of time. in freedom. whilst 
still. i can.


Sally A Mortemore 2022