This Vessel

This weathering vessel that casts about A barge adrift in the river of lies. My crumbling ship, my hopes all cast in doubt I navigate past cults of crying eyes. This rusting old tanker betrays my flame My boy joy driving fervent flaring glare. I’m no match for terror by any name Scant my Ali fist-words striking the air. This floating worn casket my last cradle I can’t go while hate burns from the sewers. And Earth seethes and chokes fumes unnatural But who breathes once guns fire from hate’s snipers? I cruise this clumsy tub to open sea And give my dwindling days to speak freely.