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Let's walk to the river
and pick strawberries.
we'll sit by the forest.
talk about ancient gods
and myths and poems
that don't seem too far anymore.
frogs will come out
and stick their little paws
on your knees and listen.
stories will pour
as river flaws away.
birds will quiet.
snakes will round.
life slows down
as will the breath.
and trees that seemed silent before
will be loud with approval.

we'll have all the time in the world.
your hold will be strong and forceful.
my neck will stretch and wrinkle.
and the tower
that we passed,
built to honor
goddess of fauns,
shall stare at our direction,
with chambers full of
wet, dark creatures,
and doors,
soaked in moss and saliva.

you've been my reward.
I'll be your sacrifice.