you are never more here
than when you disappear
in a city on a golden island
what you want is the mortar
between the stones
what you’ll get is the marrow
deep in the bones
you are never more aware
than when you can hear
a common hilarity
laughter foreshadowed
hidden from view
you want to unearth that
make them think you are blind
and write with the pen
of a fearless miner
who tunnels unnoticed
under the pulse
is the first to discover
and gently divulge
what’s laid in the walls
veined with stories
of breathless unrest
you are never more present
never more at your best
in a city on a golden island
the silent landlord
among her tenants
embracing their sins

refuting their penance

you are never more here
than when you disappear