I have never been so tired, not of flesh but of soul,
The years have whipped me like a storm-tossed scroll,
The sea is dark, the winds howl with blame,
Falsely accused, yet I bear the shame.
They said I sinned whence I was pure,
My words turned eyes, my art unsure,
The chains they placed were made of air,
But still they bound me—was it fair?
I once loved the sea, its wild embrace,
Now it mocks me, cold and chast.
The waves, they crash like judgment's hand,
And force me from my loved homeland.
What freedom once was mine, now lost,
The storm of life has claimed its cost.
I leave this world, its cruel design,
Like her, I fade—no longer mine.
It doesn't hurt, this final fall,
No tears, no cries, no pleading call.
The sea will keep my secrets deep,
And in its arms, I'll softly sleep.
To understand the humor
In the cartoons of Roz Chast,
Check out a new exhibit*
Of her work – it’s unsurpassed.
My favorite is an ABC book
Titled “Things I Hate”
Which features many items
To which I can sure relate.
Examples such as “Undertow”
And “Waterbugs” and “Heights”
Are illustrated in a way
That’s filled with pure delights.
I couldn’t help but smile as I
Perused each cartoon page
And noted that all comers
Did most equally engage.
How special to have talent
So specific and unique!
Go check her out and you’ll agree
I know of what I speak.
*at the Museum of the City of New York
The sky my cage,
yet it's the inspiration for freedom,
A freedom still unknown,
To this chast and wondering soul.
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