by Mary Gunderson
In more despair; this hand that reaches
Breaking the air in forward motion
It was the grasping, cage in hand
O the weight, the moving body
This hand in grief
This hand in memory
The detestable water, your air
It measured my tears
Each drop of it
Moving side to side
Claws scratching against metal
Claws reaching for freedom
O the weight, the moving body
Tears, your air, rises, surrounds
Engulfing one foot too quickly
At your chest, soon your neck
My air gone, yours gone
Quick, may it be quick
The water not stirring
It remembers, this hand lifting
Weight heavy, still life
Life! It was, but no more
It is the weight
No stirring from your body
This hand cries
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