two pieces of wood
lashed together
pronounce the sentence
of worthlessness
on its strangled victim 
we stand or flee
with family, friends
and executioners
unable to bear
the infinite inequity
or accept the burden
of merciful love

in this we are Jonah

lying in the darknesss

of abandonment

hurtled towards

the fruit of our disobedience

in despair for

reprieve, redemption

hoping for someone

to reach into the belly

of our banishment

our death

and rescue

our infinity

it is tangible
this unseen harbinger
of summer's departure
the arrival of autumn hope
as the blurred humid sky
is swept distinct and clear
by unseen winds
exposed in billowing curtains  
and in a cleansing breath
that revives the memory
that even this harsh summer's visit
will be redeemed
by time's next season