I know the bridge is damaged

know the poor repair

see the holes between the planks

nothing but dead air

what am I supposed to do

the only way across

turn back now or take the chance

this the coin toss

so I keep walking I keep walking

I keep walking I keep walking

I feel the boards tremble

with every step I take

the piling seems to crumble

beneath my slight weight

what am I supposed to do

I am here this day

no turning back, I’d flipped the dime

it tumbles still in play

so I keep walking I keep walking

I keep walking I keep walking

if I reach the other side

I will not look back

got no way to stop collapse

ruin into wrack

what am I supposed to do

I’m no different from you or you

gamblers all, at least I know

the bet itself is rigged-and it means nothing

so I keep walking I keep walking

I keep walking I keep walking

I eat but do not care, another act observed

another memory so leached of life

that the mere contemplation dries my mouth

and I half expect to see

carrion beetles scurry around the meal

let them feed on what remains

scraps and dregs of misguided judgements

and once their offspring hunger in turn

my flesh my bones my bitter dreams

no covered mirrors, for she did not die

still she is torn from me, a kind of death

these will be my seven days

cover the windows, lock the doors

turn off the lights

when I sit upon the lowest seat

darkness and silence settle beside me

companions without judgment or demand

yisgadal v’yiskadash sh’mei raba

words arising without ask

a shawl of comfort connecting me to ancient home

I weep and am comforted