Crushing, bleak and break,
the mechanisms of my matter
are corroded by salt —
they are choked with sand.Ripping, tear and rake,
the solutions of my mind
are dry from wind —
they are thieved by sun.River, ocean and lake,
the brittle hull of my bones
arches for touch —
it is weathered by surf.Yet I am tethered by the gull’s cry,
a wrinkled goodbye —
you are terrible in ropes and weaves and cuffs.Hope pleads the darkness from the butcher’s eye,
lips feed a thousand lies —
I cannot conjure love enough or trust
before time turns our hearts to dust.
