"Before you go," he said, "Eat these."
His palm was rough, black with soot,
and three rubies glittered there, perfect drops
of blood.
He would not meet my round eyes.
I assumed grief and accepted his gift; the hot winds
of deceit had never known my petaled face.
The earth opened above us,
and a golden arm came through
to draw me up.
I closed my mouth, bit down
and felt all my convictions
running down my throat.
I swallowed.
