Paper Dreams Poem by Gio Masserati

She held her poems to her heart
While he burned up her words
Each verse committed to memory
As they flickered like exotic birds

When they were sooten
Dusted ashes
She smeared them across
Her eyes and lashes
Over her body they were frosted
The silouette she embodied

Then the ashen dust took on New Life
Fluttering dreams left behind
Arise!
Arise!
In the basilica
Beyond the river
Hear her call in the echo
Her gifts are for the Giver