Tin Man

Chest of rust
bottomless oil can
hollow silence
empty pit of grit

Skeletal smile crooked
molded sealed lips
speechless Sahara eyes

No way through
no way around
must rip and tear the paint
to see any sign of life

Will my tears quench?
can this blood shed a palate?
or a smile crack your shield?

Or will you deflate?
into the pavement
where pebbles infest the dirt