In(trope)spection

[e_dog]

I

wake up
with the song
of military justice
in one ear

the pain of rivers
in the other

the whisper of death
in the other

II

clapping hands
around the old fountain

a purple streak
in the mallard's wing

III

you used
to make
us laugh

puppets
of penitence

no more
knowing
behind the trees

IV

each cloud
inscribed with time

reflected in the pond
inspected by conscience
and found

wanting