This Is Fine

For every man that ever slept soundly
A blade under the pillow
was the ocean around his island

Who would have thought
the dividing line
between peace and degradation
was exactly razor thin

Come down from there, they say
no need to stay alert
perched in your crows nest
keeping watch for sharp rocks
waiting to punch through ship shells

Come down from there
enjoy the company
drink, be merry
wait for whatever life brings
If our cups end up filled
with brine instead of rum
we would rather not know
until we hear the crack

A life filled with caution is a life not lived
they say
as they pull me from my perch
a wise man once told them
to always cherish the moment
I'm told
as they drag me past the wheelhouse
forcing burning liquor past my lips


As a few of us wake on sandy beaches
no water, food or hope
they look at me
wide eyed
explaining how I only had the one job
but never mind
They say
It's a miracle any of us survived at all
Their words escaped
the sand around their necks

But as far as I know
nothing else did