We held on tight to the ropes
tighter than roots holding oaks to the earth
photographs tucked away
in boots and breast pockets
as the sea waters splashed and distorted the faces
into familiar ghosts
hold the ropes. hold the ropes.
the waters were cold
humming the Siren’s song
the waves rose and took our rum
and then each of us
one by one.
we held on tight to our hopes
tighter than the seas ever thought we were worth
paragraphs left to say
with loots and worn lockets
as the dark waters thrashed and contorted the graces
into similar woes
hold the ropes. hold the ropes.
the treasure was sold
sunning in daylight’s dawn
the stars told of our run
and then each of us
one by one.