Faerie-lights and lacewings dance at deepest evening. Gently, I step, negotiating smooth stones and slurry. Billowing silt caresses the soft skin behind my knees. I slip deeper. Chin dips before closed eyes feel the cool water. 

Immersed, I absorb redemption and breathe. Iron cuffs begin to dissolve. Infused with atonement, their bloodied particles sink into darkness.  

                        soul motivations

                        thrashing attempts at respect—

  audience of one