when it happens and it must

will you sit beside the uncertain moment

stunned into a concrete pose

then begin to weep when you find your voice

and in this childish abandon

hear the work that you have to do

again and again until you don’t

this life short as any so now is the time

will you turn away in fear and say

I do not dare I do not

then grasp the banister tightly

as you hurry down the staircase

tripping over coffee spoons oyster shells

chased by questions of lingering intent

again the knowledge you have work to do

or not

the fog the dusk the narrow streets

the evening the tea the silent seas

the snicker and the scuttling claws

relax relax let go

no need to return from any death

be a prophet, a fool, or attendant lord

hear mermaids sing or drown beneath waves

all these already yours

breathe