Elephant dance

The air was heavy
Like stones weighted around our necks
We laughed nervously; talk of nothing
As we dance around the elephant

The pyre burned; they turned away
Enchanted more by a small plastic pumpkin
safe upon a stump

Don’t watch as they lower the box
Into the ground, don’t throw down the flowers
We walk away nervously; the fabric ripped
As we dance around the elephant

The pyre burned; they turned away
Dear one, I will leave your dream catcher
safe in the forest