We take pieces of glory and splinters of spirit
for keepsakes, an eyelash or small patch of skin
at a time – in only a minute
or two, you're spread out across countries, owned
by various owners, shared out, loaned,
paid back for with a packet of cigarettes.

The puzzle is incomplete, and some of it is missing -
the important parts, like sunshine or someone's smile;
all you're left with is an aching wishing
to remember what they are.

But don't worry. In a while
we'll have taken it all – soul, shell and scars -
and with nothing left to give, you can be
at peace.