you could smell smoke for miles...

[hiding_shadows]

i'd set this place aflame
and watch by the river
as the leaflets and scraps
flew into the night sky
overhead.
the corners of them crinkled
and burning.
ash covering me like a blanket
in what was.
as the trees and i smile
free the knowledge
and stiffle the dull blade
of research.
this isnt inquiry and exploration.
but a forced nature
of dragged feet
and scuffling bodies
through rows of word forests.
searching on hands and knees
for authors and titles
alphabetical madness
that eats away at interest
and the idea that learning
can be something more than
work.
let the place burn and
we'll all start over.
true knowledge
sitting behind our eyes
waiting to be shared.