this is better, the wind
and weather within the
heather hidden from view
the flowers surrounding, you win
you’ve found me, a sin-bound
sounding of skin black-blue
I am lashed to the mast of a galley called Time
on a slow summer cruise that got way out of line
Salt Lake City, golden hour
windows closing cut the shower
shining past the control tower
smacks against the plane
rejected light forms rivers, pooling
right beneath the engines, cooling
should be warmer, what’s this fooling?
the flight alights in vain
mercy dark, climbing higher
pilot’s got the holy fire
blind but he’s a frequent flier
seeking light left lame
I asked for salt
you gave me brine
you asked, “How much?”
I said, “That’s fine.”
my mouth was wet
but now it’s dry
now that my eyes
again are mine
I look around
and—oh, surprise—
see other places
I can find
far richer food
on which to dine
bend oh bend my child
hear my will and bow
beneath the clouds of Seattle
for I am with you now
remember who I made you
remember your birth mark
the stamp of love I gave you
the flick’ring crimson spark
find rest in me my child
I’ll hold you in the night
beneath the clouds of Seattle
and watch your dreams alight
give me honest clean monogamy
and plain fidelity
someone sober
someone older
someone salty like the sea
give me a rider wearing blinders
someone stubborn someone free
a head held high
and honest eyes
that only look at me