Abuse

A deepsea fisherman when out of luck
Will lure even the youngest, blameless fish
And lay their flapping bodies down upon
The deck, their tender flesh, the slapping mouths,
The blood and then the damp and woodwork fouled
While unaware, and still oblivious
Beneath the boat the kinfolk float nearby.

August 2  
Revised from Child Abuse, July 23

I Am Too Evil

I am too evil, fingering the threads,
Then nimbly plucking yours and pulling taut.
I'll put the strain of tension in your head
I'll swing a silky tongue into your thoughts.
Yet I will never cut that which is yours
Your choice, your fate, is held in your own hands.
Like slick Ulysses, I'll lead you to wars
Then disappear on Eve of your last stand.

September 11

Naturally

To settle every snowflake naturally,
To breathe the air that once had nourished Frost,
Would I shake hand with Mephistopheles?
Do I have courage to deserve such cost?

September 14