Brian Eckert

I march onto the front lines of
backroads
alleyways
suburban sidewalks
abandoned parking lots
carrying only what’s on my back

My past
a heavy burden
an intense pressure
a need to be free from
alternate versions of me

All who’ve come before me are dead
all those to come will die
But I am immortal
I stand Deathless above them
Alone
Forever

War is over?
But I don’t want it
Without war
Where would I go?
What would I do?

I’d keep walking in circles
Collapsing in on myself
Meeting strangers that are me
Waves that can’t break
Suns that can’t set
Pasts that can’t be future

Endless yous
Endless mes
Silently watching
Endlessly

God
has never forgiven
The Snake
for being able
to shed
His skin