Palaemon

right now I'm drowning.

 

this empty vessel sleeps

in a tranquil reprieve

 

waiting for the gasp

from starved lungs

 

waiting for a trembling

palm on starboard bow

 

tiny bubbles cling 

to strands of hair

 

as her lips expel

the last of her air

 

 

 

a gull now resides

perched in question

 

a red bead follows

a passing oar

 

cleaved from it’s brother

by resignation alone

 

 

what once glowed 

now dismal and pale

 

once dry docked

now set to sail

 

 

 

 

 

her hair billows 

expanding in the ether

 

an ephemeral sunset

in mourning

 

yet come twilight

precede eternal night

 

i kissed her forehead gently

still warm with life’s embrace

 

and led her hand intently

down to a darker place.

 

Reviews

[Jessica M.]

"an ephemeral sunset in mourning"
that is amazing imagery.