in the cradle of my tongue
burns a small pearl

shaped like the moon
heavy as death

in the rift between shadows
pulls my skull into the earth

mouth and fire effervescent
sleight of winter sky  

in sheens of thick molten blue
cruel and raw

cut like god
cracks to life

the face of thunder  
in the cradle of my tongue beset

a pearl of blackest night born
my oath to keep