Cenotaphs

the white crane's feathers
drenched in red
the blood of stubborn men
washing through the river

oathbound brothers
ringing the bells for their master
to notify the spirits
of their forthcoming arrival

seven sentinels stand abreast
white petals fall like snow
floating
landing with a whisper

bathing in a pool of stars
naked skin to heaven
scars by the sword
mark a life of devotion

painted with ash
dressed in white and gold
men of strength
don't shiver

the white crane's feathers
fly a thousand years
the blood of honorable men
flows through the streets

seven souls stand bound in stone
where the woods are still
pain and honor rest eternal
in their master's memory