For the Lives he stole Lyrics

August began its slow descent
Into the arms of winter
Elongated shadows swept across rocks
As they danced in starlight
White hands yearned to stifle
The chimes of children's cheer
That hung in the air
Like linen soaked in blood
Their pink palms blistered
Forced to grasp ragged ropes
Wrestling with lurching sails
Of anchored virgin vessels
But urgent hands clawed the hulls
And snatched them from the shore
Sand lacerated unmarred skin
That bled beneath waves
Laughter faltered in their mouths
And was torn from their throats
Until clouded milk-white eyes
Extinguished newborn stars
Upon each day that followed from August to July
Lines of crooked mourners bent double across the bay
Lifeless flowers bled through silver foam
Abandoned by listless hands bereft of faith
Their bones grew old and wretched
Black teeth crumbled into dust
Grey rags fluttered in silence
The last lament of forgotten love
He does not bleed
For the lives he stole
No one grieves
For the lives he stole