Whistling

The air passes slowly
they gather round the camp fire
warming their tardy hands
rubbing together the stories
time left them

out of the air
claims of redemption
clusters of wish
vague slogans moved their lips
around the water their feet slam
they carry the load for each other
and claim sentience from the earth

magic and removal
the air crystal with dragon teeth
chattering cold
casting doubt on the fact that you mean it
ticking the spandex
with rhythm
chiming in with valuable diamonds

the cast breath melded
beyond the ways
they saw the mountains apart

her hands clasped in a sodden belief
her parents exchange love on her behalf