Firing Squad

fingernails splinter on the grain

like lover carved initials

such fine posture, back straight

along the oak spine

Druids once climbed

in search of mistletoe,

wearing garments - napkin white -

fashionable as my blindfold

the squad forms a line,

you formed hidden crevices

housing owls and snakes

squirrel escapes on

playground branches

scorched earth landscape

stump remains sizzle

like electric chairs

you gave, we take

not counting exhales,

shade turned to Shades

underground where unseen

roots hold like hands

the scent of smoke and

gunpowder tinge the air