The Vigil
she writhes
powerless
as giant phalluses
force the last remnants
of lubricant from her guts-

dry plates screech together
like chalkboard fingernails
as brittle coastlines
crack and shift

cavernous ruts deepen
like the furrowed brows of
environmental watchdogs
witnessing the feverish
rantings of her last rites.
©Cassandra Crews 2016