The unknowing
are alike
only the tempest
bears peerless children.
Those alike
are as shadows
prudent
on the edges of sunshine
in the guise of the living
they are dead.
And these
staring danger in the face
are guardians of fire
the living
marching beside death
ahead of death
always alive even after traversing death
and always hearing the name
with which they lived
for decay
passes beneath the tall threshold of their memory
hunched and shamefaced.
Discoverers of the fountainhead
humble discoverers of the hemlock
pursuing joy
in the mouth of the volcanoes
magicians of smiles in the hats of pain
with footprints deeper than joy
on the paths of birds.
They face the thunder
enlighten the house

and die.