An ancient animal
is turning to rot
stink of putrefaction
in the mouth of the cave
grasses hide the flow
of light against the wind
we are naked
on the balcony
watching the world
become autumn
a blind world
where forgetfulness
transforms mercy
we cast no shadows
our moments invisible.

---

Paul Ilechko is British American poet and occasional songwriter who lives with his partner in Lambertville, NJ. His work has appeared in many journals, including The Night Heron Barks, Tampa Review, Iron Horse Literary Review, Sleet Magazine, and The Inflectionist Review. He has also published several chapbooks.