In the Time of Plague Rats

I penned the past
A distant laugh
An etching that erodes
With each closing window
Silencing the breeze
That carelessly carries
Any chatter that is piqued
From an observing gallery

I brushed her face
And parted ways
But the breath that was sung
Could be stowed, tightly clung
To the organs in my chest
And there's no real way to guess
If I became what I detest
Poisoned with the lousiness

So in the dark
I buzzed with alarm
Knowing each second dropped
Could curse the wary bomb
To obliterate the scape
And level everything I've made
All the scraps would be erased
Before the colors start to fade

And then I'd have to realize
With a shrinking glimmer in my eyes
That sacred day could arrive
And I'd ask they burn their suits and ties

And as my body's ripped to strands
I'll compress and expand
My structure will collapse
As I give way to idle hands

But that is surely not the plan
While I can bring myself to stand

So if that vague
Inscription stays
I want the text to reflect
A warmth and will for every guest