dont tread

How on earth,
perhaps above
but probably below-
I forgive myself
is beyond me

I used to play
upright bass inna bluegrass band,
until the fiddles pitch
tug on my heartstrings too high
to catch

I set a table
placed perfect with whiskey
and empty mason jars
(to collect the tears of tough guys)
night after night
praying to my mistrust of prayer
for company
 
a single rogue
or scallywag
to deal a hand to
gambling our redemption
while telling tall tales
of marathon running
from the law
or women

ourselves

could fill a banquet hall
dancing the ladies outta decency
and into the folklore
we fight for

come along boys
awol from battle
and raise a toast
with me

come along boys
hellbent but brilliant
let's drink to
infamy