Uses For a Human Being

Alone in shallow consciousness I’m drowning Only Life accompanies me, Shoving my head under so I Can’t breathe. No one needs you, Life tells me. You are useless, truly. Perhaps I could serve a purpose as A martyr A girl cruelly murdered by Life. Someone joins me- Let me save you. But by now I crave the liquid in my lungs So I go wallow myself in tangled waters. __________________________________ It’s not when others join me but When I come to my feet And ease into their company myself That Life backs off, Seeing me as a viable contender in our battle. I think I scared Life a bit, because Now it gives me little gifts To pacify this fighter. Life seduces me with whispered words, I always knew you were worth it. Go out into the world and prosper. I know; that’s why I rose again- To fulfill the uses I’ve always had. Others need me, Depend upon Me and all I can do. By my own efforts I cleanse my lungs With crisp, refreshing air and Leave my swimming days behind. __________________________________ It’s hard to pull someone free From a tight embrace with Life As it pulls her under, Cooing through its teeth The same words it told me: You are useless, truly. I call her name, show her the sky But she dances on with Death. Until she twirls all on her own, She won’t let go of darkness. Now it’s I who feels again Like I have no use.