prayers to a false altar

i loved you once
beneath a great willow tree
hidden in her green tresses
i knelt before you
dazed at your divine altar
scouring your face for a smile
i raised my hand
open palmed to my god
begging for kindness
you didn’t give it
dirt ripped into my knees
lustful to take your notice
you didn’t give it
flies swarmed my face
buzzed loud for your attention
you didn’t give it
yet as i stood to love another
you prayed your humble heart to me
i loved you once
but nothing unheard remains sacred