Zathura

From the heart of Humbie Woods

Past the garden where she grew

Sweet Zathura’s calling

For her body to be moved

This had been our sanctuary

This had been a place to hide

From the Highland Twizzler’s

Dividing dance

Before the blood shine

Unmade in mess

Between the nest and old pine

Far beyond the Firth of Forth

The seagulls sing for an honest bird

The sweetest song you’ve ever heard

Of a sister gone too soon

Torn branches were the swords

With which we purged the Forrest floor

Of every worm and slater

Detained as prisoners of our war

I’d never seen you so alive

As when your foot fell through the hive

How they swarmed your body

Extinguishing your little light

And, as a coward, I recoiled to save mine

But I wish I’d stayed to keep you safe

From a thousand stings and folding space

While some things change

No time will face

The brother I once knew

He’s still in you