Mark DeCarteret

The Parting Song

Sure I would rather not lie,

would rather this whiskey, a serum,

or these strangers, all strategies, theorems--

just more of those trick mirrors I’ve leant up against,

but we know how I'll return to the stirring of the worm

bedded down in my tongue (so consistent the burn!)

and how I’ll stumble towards the river and its piddling lullaby

so you won't have to hear of my night from the window

and want nothing to do with any light in the morning.

Okay, coming here was a mistake and just for this

alone you should ready the earth for my song

but for now take my head to the highest of

pillows and wish me the longest of dreams.