Ahab 2014

Ahab 2014

Mental archipelagoes protect my disbelief
pristine island fortresses of mind
surrounded by odd currents where dark creatures prowl a reef
that is the one and only of its kind

blasphemous iniquities have driven me insane
and fabricated lies I can’t control
delivered by euphoric mutants as a mad refrain
that echos through the canyons of my soul

un-pardoned sins like common pins protruding from my face
signify that dignity is lost
with nothing left to masquerade my eminent disgrace
and not one coin to help repay the cost

battered by the shattered bones of those I have betrayed
welts and bruises gather on my hide
to form into a bold tattoo symbolically displayed
as evidence that cannot be denied

the strain of pain and pestilence is glowing in my eyes
and little can relieve its vicious grip
a morbid tale of killer whale that ends without surprise
defiant captain sinking with his ship

C. Lon R. Bruso