Vigil

Time to stand down
though the night is raw with sound
Cannot guard the sleep of others for eternity,
nor protect them from the truth,
though you tried

Rest now,
lay your weapon gently upon the earth,
for what has she done but
feel your anxious boots cut
into her flesh with pacing

Be soft with her,
as you've never been with yourself
Lay that tired skin
against her breast and breathe for a little while

The night is insidious,
a yawning void brimming with missing whispers,
voices you've stood vigil
against from the beginning

Let the whispers float through
air and into the ears of their owners
It was never a war you could win,
never your right to interfere

Lay back down against the earth,
cradle yourself there as your own whispers rain down
Breath deep of the mud, and dirt, and heavenly soot
It is the only thing left
now that your vigil is done