whose dark is this that steals in
that winds its way beneath this black
sets edge to grinding teeth
sets shiver to this dead skin

whose broken handed heart
cannot be held or hold no more

long withered
long still
long without will to restore
no place to play a part

whose dried up courage fails
like the myth of once felt strength
like a rope
like a cord
like a no-edged sword
of anguished inadequate length

no one that i know.