do I ignore it,
when the storm clouds gather,
knowing I should pay no attention?

or do I hunker down,
tie myself off, brace
against the crashing waves?

foam-frothed currents rip me away,
back to our stories of old,
blue dressed, swinging scabbards, and ticking clocks

pirate hats,
palms outstretched toward salty, safe, sea breezes
applause carried to waterfall faeries
keep them — and us — afloat

but it’s hard to remember
that part of the story
where you ran us aground

all treasure lost, 
a castaway — 

deserted, marooned, and crewless

— left to the dangerous depths.
                                                                                
with only my featherless cap, 
soft sheath now swordless, 
silent hands, cut on jagged rocks,

and the promise
of no return.