Towers Silhouette Against the Sky

by John Curl

towers silhouette against the sky
opening the prison
of a three-headed bird
wiring bridges and mountain tunnels with explosives
a wedding party in front of the door
a small demon with an insect body
his face, peacefully radiant, remote from his torturers
the acrid smell of smoke filling the streets
hide indoors or get out of town
many arrived shaking and in tears
the top floors had collapsed
an ancient woman sweeing away the glass and debris
the shrub-covered hills at dusk, the evening star rising