That enforced embrace Drew us together Her pale arms folding Around my neck I close-cradled her

Stirred by early light Dream amnesia melts Me back from half-life My arm lies coldly Where it once circled

A bottle of harsh red Bridged another passage Between two vacant days Memories rose and fell With every guilty sip

With pious intent She sought the penance Confession could grant Her sins for sackcloth Seemed a fair exchange

Just before waking A woman in black Gently took my hand In a kindly way As I crossed a road

Tainted hands covering his face Asterion the monster Captive of the labyrinth Mourned the bloody tribute Devastated at his feet

The sanctuary of His morning ritual Was breached by a panic A terror of not knowing A faulty neural pathway