the sky closes in
like a hawk
swooping down
to snag a vole.
the late light
coils around
the white ships
in the harbor
like a cobra
waiting for prey
on a branch.
the deep sea
throws itself
on the shore
like a bear
attacking a tent.
in the distance,
a thundercloud
rolls over the water
toward me.
i have visions
of fresh skulls
shattering
under my boot,
of my enemies
kneeling before me
with shoulders
falling down
like dewdrops,
of all the food
and treasure
and women
in the world
spread out
on a series
of golden platters
for me and me alone.
i have kept
a throne open
for you
next to mine,
and i have
draped it in
cloth that shimmers
like the night sky,
but i will not wait
for much longer.
return to me,
or i will send
fire and ash
crashing down
on you like the rain
that approaches
the shore now.
i will not abide
foes in my domain
with their heads
attached to their necks.