for Eric
I raised one hand to blow a kiss, or wave
As I stood watching him float out to sea.
I didn’t know which one of us to save,
Could not spare him and he could not spare me.
As I stood watching him float out to sea,
I found that even my most fervent prayer
Could not spare him; and he could not spare me.
All I could do was watch him drifting there.
I found that even my most fervent prayer
—A miracle—was not enough for him.
All I could do was watch him drifting there,
Since I could not remember how to swim.
A miracle was not enough for him.
Soon I forgot what I’d been praying for,
Since I could not remember how to swim,
And couldn’t even see him anymore.
Soon I forgot what I’d been praying for.
I didn’t know which one of us to save,
And couldn’t even see him anymore.
I raised one hand to blow a kiss, or wave.
Originally Published in Cider Press Review, Volume 2.
