Woolen Blankets

I had a lot to say

before they sewed my mouth shut

Out on a rosy field,

between a cross and crescent

I had a love so pure

I had to leave her behind.

I never told her why

Did I ever tell myself why?

I kept a steady hand

as we untied the bowline,

Off of a ragged pier

during a grey-haired sunset.

Past the old tree and the coal mine,

We deserted all the burdens of the land

Traded all that aging clay

For the urgency and anger of the sea

A hundred fading prayers

sewn into woolen blankets

And my father's rosary

twisted around my frail uncertain wrist

I'd heard a soul could float

But could it swim to safety?

Well I'm scared that when this ends

I may not even have one

at all.

And you said,

"I do believe that hope

is just a grand distraction

from the walls you will have to climb."

So pick up your weeping feet

and just start moving forward

And don't look back to see if she's there.

And she will never see your face