To Tend by Kit Kelen

to tend the gods as given, as found
new habits of homage are required

in word untamed, in sight unframed
paths to follow are so chosen,
by you, for you, blind or willing

go to the makers
not to the mockers
trouble to tell them apart

the world is what you’re sleeping off
there’s loneliness under feats of self
work outlasts if you stay with the tune
survives you and the world that wearied

mockers, thieves and smug ignorers
in the end they scale away

so

get the toxins out of your system
protect yourself
protect your spark

light in the eyes may be derided
spring in the step, its menace is met

but you, brave word and image maker
you face the dark without, within

for you the tale untold doffs cap
the wheels take on their fated spin

if you’ll remember this one injunction

go to the makers
never the mockers

tend to the habits of homage
you’ve found