Saint Vingt Sept - No. 08 - L'aveugle guidant l'aveugle

The village hero has sent word that he is returning.

He didn't say it in so many words 

But the villagers have already began fattening the sheep. 

Apparently, he fought the war and claimed victory over the 

isle of incumbents. 

They said he climbed up the mountain, scouting the inference 

Negating the past and fighting the future 

It was glorious they said. 

Exceptionally staged. 

Divinely timed. 

Canonically aligned to his hubris. 

The war was what, an expedition to the hell that resides in you 

or the purgatory you left the village in? 

Waiting, panting, scrapping metal against enamel 

Fingernails in grey pots. 

Ash between the lines of your fire. 


I don't buy it. 

Where have your flatfeet been, lucky boy?

How'd you make it out?

What did you do? 

Which part of you did you give up

 as an offering to the gods to return a god? 

He came back. 

And she was excited.

Angry that the war did not consume him 

But still excited that he thought of her doorstep 

as a place to rest is sword, shield and boots.

So she bathed. 

The water burning the days waited.

The steam removing the impress of panic 

The fragrance etching its way

Carving a path for him to follow 

A route he already knows

But still, maybe he would have forgotten 

So she makes a concession for his potential embarrassment. 

Guides him to the side table.

Put your armor down.

Put your armor down. 


And so he did.

Neglecting the danger behind his back.

The knife cradled against my ankle. 


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