borne naked on naked shoulders
eyes running tears in warm wind
you're jolted as your bearers
step over babies
you're rushed in a safe world
where even mars
is tender with infants not his
who play with snakes and stars
in pools they can't drown in
what price have you paid for this?
what courtesies foregone?
baring your ribs to a marksman
your heart to a foe
your head to your children
your love to the sky
sing me quicksilver, lady of laughter
your shield is your song