Aquamarine

I remember the night
we stood on the beach
in the face of a hurricane.
We struggled through the sands,
but could not escape the storm.
Your hand slipped from mine,
as we were scattered
like dropped playing cards.
I got to my feet,
but you were hidden,
somewhere in the chaos,
somewhere in the crowds,
somewhere away from me.
Lost.

The buildings screamed their rosaries
as they were swept into the sea,
broken windowpanes and cinderblocks
washing ashore like bones.
The fellow Fallen told me
it was time for a performance,
and ushered me to their watery stage,
farther and farther offshore,
deeper among the waves.

So I smiled and sang
the song that they wanted.
I choked on the words.

[As I drowned, all eyes were upon me.
As I drowned, they declared,
“Now you have become beautiful.”]

I never stopped singing
the song that they wanted.
I choked on the words.
It was time for curtain call,
and I felt beautiful.
So beautiful.

The fish cried for an encore
as I sank to the depths
where all senses sleep.
I made my bed among sailors’ bones
and pirate gold.
I dreamed you lay beside me.
We struggled through the sea,
but could not find the sun.
Your life slipped from you.
You were but a ghost,
so pallid, so cold.
I searched the dark depths,
but you were hidden,
somewhere in the water,
somewhere in the sea,
somewhere away from me.
Lost.

I never stopped singing
the song that you wanted.
I choked on the words.
Breathing salt and aquamarine,
I felt beautiful.

I never stopped singing
the song that you wanted
I choked on the words.
Breathing salt and aquamarine,
I felt beautiful.
So beautiful…
So beautiful…
I felt so beautiful.
Breathing salt and aquamarine,
I felt so damned beautiful.