First written in spring 2022, awarded Scholastic Art & Writing Contest regional Gold Key (poetry). 

 

Alas! Wherefore wilt thou succumb to wounds

to plunder the thunder from thy city?

Thy famished flames hast swallowed mortal sounds

that did cry in wonder praying for thee.

Hast thou forsaken thy heart without grief

for the city that loved thee in thy youth

a jaded dove that needs only to chief

summers of joy that sanction no untruth.

By mine eyes, did the city cherish thee

and rinse thy woes to wish thee riches

cast in blue-eyed bliss confessing no plea

to bid thee farewell across burnt bridges.

Hear not the city wail for thy slumber

which sailed too soon bidding thy city bare.