The Rafter

O Father, how have we come to this?
Your rope and my neck just like old friends.
I feared this for so long it became a taste.
While my tongue sits behind these lips
My breath breaking in.
O Father, did you beg like I did?
My rusting tears chained to holy flesh.
While crooked legs hold my name
The wooden marrow of my placid frame,
Gives back what you gave.
O Father, I’m in too deep.
Would you care to save me?
The rafters creak; it took me too long to think

Brendan Dewell
Contact:   bcd0037 (at) unt (dot) edu