and muffled was
the serenade,
from which my
fleeting song was made

i smiling sealed
my six-string fate,
did not one second
hesitate,

since birth was i
the silent song
from which no timbre
did prolong.

i was taught to teach
each timid lung
a siren's sweet
seductive tongue.

and crimson thus
did clatter forth,
my quiet joy
(for what it's worth)

spilt rivers from
my kindled pores,
communicating
fire and lore

and birdsong's plea
and battles withstood,
the things i dreamt of
when i could.

these melodies
on crooked bays
poise-- await
unseen forlay;

to sailor's ear
a song bestow,
till debt fulfilled
sends ships below.