Jake's Flea Market

after the clock’s hands 
climbed to the top of my time piece

after our feet stepped 
up spiral stairs to the top of the ramparts

before the one o’clock 
black was extinguished

and the out of time specter 
of the grieving king was ignited

marcellus looked out over the parapet   

all i saw was how dark it was 
i saw him listen   

all i heard
between the few mumbles uttered was
silence   i heard him sniff   

all i smelled
was the previous evening’s rain 
and damp oakwood

i wanted the life 
marcellus’ boots   clock ticked 
away from me   up the battlement to that 
tower   and that   and that   and that