By the fire

My eyes hurt

From staring too

Long into old dreams

Staying far from the places

Where they cut your shadow

From you as a condition

Of entry,

I will make my home

In the dust

Build a fire,

Find something to die

So I can fill

My belly

Such a life

Free of hollow imperatives,

Lends me strength

Against the teeth

Of lesser men,

Boys grown old and bitter,

But not up.

Manhood is a choice

Made by men,

And those who avoid it,

Become pallid enemies,

Pretending to be friends

To women,

I wait by the fire,

And soon you will

Come, baby girl,

Find your way here,

A home with me,

Wherever I go.