we are tangled with earth's veins

they pulse inside our hearts

like stars made of soil and leaves

lighted from within - a heated prism of colors

they feed us with whispers of the gods

and misty dreams of the slumbering forest

our flesh gleams with tears of shadows

open wounds - healed with the touch of sacred blood

of those who hide in the night

of those who kiss with bared teeth

and embrace with outstretched talons

we are tangled with earth's veins

green ichor flows under our skin

we melt into the coarse bark; we grow into the roots

sipping tomorrows; lustfully craving over today