Sustained on shallow breaths

The world’s tempo quickens

As a new pain charges

To the base of my skull

–

All for a slim chance

In tomorrow’s deserts

The steepening price

For our fleeting comforts

–

Swollen to the brink

Of blasting asunder

As panicked dreams circle above

Like buzzards

–

Filled to the brim

With the weight of calamity

It is no longer distant

It is here and now