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After so much thirst, even the empty jug looks enticing.
I’m getting good at letting go/letting go at getting good.

The path of war between us is worn and clearly drawn, today,
I’ll sign your papers, then drop my shield and spear,
lie beneath the wildflowers that burst

along the grassy edges — let their blood colors drip
onto my cheek, over my lips, fill my mouth.

Let the worms sear into my ear like a long liturgy.
Let the bees sting the tips of my fingers.
Let the ants bite and carry the white out of my eyes,
the long legged spider spindle my throat.

Let every small living thing
explode me into existence.

— Brandon Fury

Brandon Fury graduated with a bachelor’s degree in poetry from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently enrolled in the master’s of fine arts program at Carlow University. His work has been featured in Fifth Floor and most recently in The After Happy Hour Review. He currently lives in Crafton. Many writers featured in Chapter & Verse are guests of Prosody, produced by Jan Beatty and Ellen Wadey. Prosody airs every Saturday morning on 90.5 FM.