From The First

The laws

of thermodynamics 

are clear:

nothing is free

there is nothing sweet

in the cup

or flowering 

on the vine

unless you have paid 

the price

of crushing the fruit

or tending the seed.

Halcyon days

will be ripped

out of our hands

and I’ve been 

bracing for it

from the 

first moment 

of laughter 

from the first 

spark.

The gods don’t care

if your heart is breaking 

if your trust 

has been betrayed 

to them

we are the sweet juice

and they are 

licking 

their 

lips.