And the Albatross Sings

when this is all said and done
we will be given a chance to unfold
and gaze at our furrowed and worn faces
touching everything with the palms of our eyes-
your taupe measuring itself to match sticks
broken glass and the likes of so many scarred returns.
Yes, we were indeed rich;
-I drank you in like wine
spilt you on my breast
and poured more onto the kitchen floor
while fumbling for another bottle.

-I drew you in like smoke
sifted thoroughly with teeth and sighs

now face to leathery face
you showed me the whole truth in your eye
like reading the creases in a brow beaten hand;
-The man up against the rocks
eating led from pencils
wearing pages of books like a loin cloth...

I hold this statement underneath my tongue
     swallow its sweetness like candy cigarette
     without the albatross perched on the end of the ember
burning like an effigy to peace.
I miss you like that dire bird
feathers mottled with impudence.
your call dusty and strained:
     -Collect your senses, polish your sight
      and sharpen your ears on everything
      You are here and so are They.
      It is high time you take up arms
      against the dull ghosts and patronizing wounds;

There is work to be done
and there is so little left
to steel yourself against their cold.