I left the doll where it was dropped. The truncheon boots and flesh-toned fear Drowned out our heathen heartbeats In the orchard of the grey.

The papers fuel our daydreams With their perestroika screams. I left the doll where it was dropped, Unmoved with skyward eyes.

The streets were limp with silence As the wicked grins arrived, Shrouded by complicit skies.

I left the doll where it was dropped With eyes resigned to absence, Adrift in far-flung moments While red river flashbacks fade.

Bleak daylight picks its victims. An execution stayed. I left the doll where it was dropped, Suspended where the memories stop.

In dreams, the winds are chiffon Calmly covering the slain, Propelled from contrite valleys Wreathed in hyacinths and rain.