they *choose*
to misunderstand

watch. them. wring. their. hands.
tongues a ’cluck @ the old // necromantic ways ...

they interpret your tenderness for
moonRocket eARTh
as pagan homage
to [unnamed] gods —

you *embrace$
the majestic sycamore
iowa’s farmland, its rolling hills,
ypsilon mountain ((its
overlook of terror))
the gurgle & *flow*
of the mighty north
soaring kestrels, hawks & eagles
                        navy-blue-black constellations

the subtle magic of scarlet-veined {leaves}
held captive
in carnage
of rot & surreptitious decay