Benediction

So you don't get to be a saint

Martyrs never last this long

Guess I'll never be the one

To defeat desire in song

Here's a marker

Here's my naked skin

Our exhibit A

Put a small X where I lost my way

All the actors broke their legs

And it's too late to postpone

The producer's getting high

And the audience went home

Smile and take your awkward bow

Turn and stumble off the stage

Let the rain be your applause

And every encore soothe your rage

Squint with one eye

Hum a show tune, wait

For your ride to say

Oh, that's where you must have lost your way

Megaphones in helicopters squeal

"Hey, are you okay?"

As searchlights circle

Where we lost our way

All our accidents went purposeful and fell

Stripped of providence or any way to tell

That our intentions were intangible and sweet

Sick with simple math and shy discoveries

Piled up against our impending defeat