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Deep within the forest

the sun’s last warm rays

caress those in unrest

through the cold haze

As frigid as the mist

are the decomposing carcasses

Frozen by rigor mortis

Posing like athletes of antiquity

Still lively although deceased

Marble white skin, limbs like hardened clay

Absent breath, absent heartbeat

Reeking of decay, displaying the dismay

Serving a feast for scavengers

the garden draws in hungry four-legged guests

to feed on the putrid cadavers,

to treat themselves in a gory excess

As did the dead when still alive

Forcing the Earth to scream in despair

Forging nature to please their minds

Gorging on the fruit it used to bear

Another statue is erected

by the gardener, the artist

Another effigy dissected,

in honor of Gaia and Artemis

Deep within the forest

the dark of the night grows black

concealing the cadaver garden

Tomorrow the sculptor will come back