An Ode to Muses to Melpomene

Combined Religion

I walk barefoot along the shore.

You worry that I will break the surface of my skin on the remnants of sea glass.

Once, were they your companions on a lonely night,

That pierced your hands as the shards of bottles.

Now, they have rounded edges that dance with the reflections of the stars.

They do not retain your red pigment and shine bright green to match these turquoise waters.

Now, it is only my teeth that slash the vessels in your neck.

As I leave violet bruises, you shower me with pearls.

Scarred hands result from clenching broken jewelry.

Let me stitch your wounds with white ribbon,

Without metal bands,

Instead of shuttering at the sight of waves.

As I hold your palms and dye my hair scarlet,

I collect the false gems into a bouquet and only bleed from roses.

Though these figures appear broken,

The moon's tide softens their jagged boundaries to sand.

Let me warm your body, so we may melt stained glass.

This shattered image spawns a patchwork of worship.

Now, their light launches invitations to the divine.

A single pane of a window you are not.

Yet, you distort the heavenly glow into a kaleidoscope.

Even though your tale may be far from perfection,

It is worth the weight of two holy doctrines.