god-tested

from the splintered earth the vapor, seeping,

possessed the shrieking oracle,

— spine near-broken.

my answer / imminent,

splits her mind — as it is apollo's intention — open

visions of a cleansing inferno.

[all i had ever wanted, god, was to know.]

from a prayer's end the echoes, haunting,

compelled her to speak,

— eyes worship-misted.

her plea / sudden,

demands of me — as it is another of god's tests — heaven

over autonomy.

[all i had ever wanted, mother, was to be.]

away in a taxi from the first touch, speeding,

crescendoed conflicting thoughts,

— voices psyche-rending.

god's response, timely,

comes in the form of a bus — as if it had always been there — burning.

an accepting calm —

[all i had ever needed.]