wrapped around a wooden cross
planted in the sand
In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti
as uttered by Sister Edith Mary
or Marie Laveau
in the hush of the beach break at dawn
I put my shades on & said I’d prefer to
die with morphine in my veins
though I know it’s contrary to every
spiritual belief known to man
or beast
In dreams I return to those places
that are still haunted by the shadow of
who I was & I double-down
knee-deep in another deal gone wrong
on the eve of St. Samurai’s Day
