We Are Spirits in the Material World (Ship of Nails, Part 9)

“A word, if I may?”

Bucky is patiently cleaning up the slush and debris left by Loki’s arrival into the world—sweeping up ice, mopping up water, putting down sawdust to soak up what can’t be picked up any other way. One might easily assume he was distracted. And he is, a bit, but he’s also one of the greatest assassins the world has ever known, and he wouldn’t still be here if he could be surprised by a presence appearing in the dark corner of his basement. He doesn’t blink at Loki’s voice as it emerges from the shadows, nor does he stop his work, but he does turn his body slightly so the god can see he’s wearing a pistol in a shoulder holster.

“You may,” he says. “But I’d listen better if you’d help clean this shit up. I don’t want mold in the house.”

( Are spirits in the material world )

( Are spirits in the material world )

Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of victory

As he defeated – dying –
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
-Emily Dickinson

((Musical Inspiration))