Candles gutter
on greasy desk
clutter of intentions
quill pots and ink
stacks and scrolls
vermillion stick
hot seal drips
onto parchment edge
his fist descends
gold ring
imprints his image
another decree
rings forth
upon the land
While he was
in love with her
he had his smithy
cast a delicate gold band
bearing his initials
for her to wear
on her carefully
preserved ring finger
years afterwards
he wore it
on a chain
around his neck
as a testament
to his youth
The statue
in the chapel
features
the sculptor’s
careful replications
of two rings
hers upon
his chest
as he wore it
his upon
his finger
as he used it.
