Malediction

If I were to drown,

if I were to surrender –

No.

If I were to seek

the waves clamoring

to claim my breath,

if I were to drown

and forgo naming names

and just sink down sans

plea or excuse and render

my bones coral full fathom five –

your father lies, you bastard –

if I were to drown

tonight

and cry my innocence only

and fight to cry it

through the gargle

and the strangle

would you believe me

then?

Goddamn you.