half+

After us,
may all rivers overflow
and all earthquakes come to ground.
May the earth shudder hard
may all buildings shake
and all bridges tremble.
After us,
may all sirens sound and cry
and all cannons fire away
spreading chaos north and south.

May all statues
lose their limbs
and all temples turn to ruins
with three pillars
not more [not even ceilings]
because
after us
only a river’s roar can muffle
the opaque sound
of a stubborn systole
that insists and keeps on
beating
slowly,
mournfully and heavily
in your name
and after us.

- w.d.s. [After us]