First new work in a while

he broke down hard again
pull the reins.

he lay spread eagle in
the snow
sick, exposed.
a shiver like a rumbling heater
starting in the cold
morning warming
the home's bones
is all that keeps
him going.

he's long since lost
feeling in his limbs

his instinct
to survive
to stay on life
to ride that crazed horse,
eroded,
lulls him to sleep
a little baby

born again
into the calm face of death
without violence
no fear
with love
with beauty
his heart
beats slowly
more slowly than before
in hours, the setting sun
will slow it more
his breath
grows short

they wait for him
in warm chairs
or couches, rather, busied
knowing
he's got it handled
he's in good hands (his own)

and so
he dies
alone