They Return

Long desired, the dead return.

-Saw our candle and were safe,

Bought from darkness by our care?

Light from ours has touched their eyes,

Blood of ours has filled their veins.

Absence, winter, shed like scales.

They return, but they are changed.

Armoured each in private shade,

Sullen, helmed against the light,

Their resentment fills our arms,

Sifting from their ribs like night.

Absence, winter, is their name.

Change comes slowly, where they were.

Pain, exclusion, long endured,

Ate their human places out,

Sold to darkness by our fear.

They, returning, bring us back

Absence, winter, what we gave.