Kharites Lost, by Zac Thraves

The Three Graces, or, The Kharites, by Antonio Canova (Italy), 1814-1817.

Kharites Lost

I never see the beauty, the time
and I never held the charity.
Wandered through flesh like a wasp
clipping a closed window-
wandered like a widow, and fell.
 
Distance between fertility
Creativity; the river flows through
Delphi yet, I drink from a vessel 
unmade by man - 
I slow down at your graces, I am sick.
 
The song keeps me closer 
than ailment. Waded into Cephissus
brought gifts and still I fail to see you
Blank love, blind charm, 
 
empty prayers. Fallen foul, the stench
of underworld clings to broken skin.
I failed when you needed me most. 

Zac Thraves

Zac Thraves is a writer and performer in Kent; poems have been published with various magazines and stories have been performed throughout the county. You can find some work on Instagram and join him on Twitter.