FINALE
Selected passages

A sequence exploring collapse, performance, and endurance at the edge of public and private life.

The following poem is a distillation from the Finale cycle.

— One Lil’ Match

Ima coming to you as I is
straight no falsifying.
I’m spent,
I’m all locked out,
ain’t a good thing left in me.
But you push that’ fronta me and
...(clears throat)...
well...
just saying I got me a lone match
that been longing for kindle his whole life.
Swear as I am
that one lil ol match’ll burn the world!

SEA SHANTIES
Selected passages

This poem arises from the Sea Shanties cycle — work shaped by tide, labour, and remembrance.

— Sea Breeze

Sailor:
Trade a word for a breath, sir.
That’s the way — devil to pay later — God only knows.
Go on then — one more.
There’s a lad.
While you’re there, nab me another,
and tell me — what does that sound like, brother?

Companion:
Like the sea.

Sailor:
Ah… the sea.
And what does she look like?

Companion:
She wears the sun like sapphires,
dancing, dazzling over her body.
On her head — a crown of sky-blue.

Sailor:
Yes… and what does she smell like, lover?

Companion:
Her breath is warm and balmy,
salty and full of brine —
sometimes soft, sometimes strong.

Sailor (whispering):
Mmm. Delicious.
Simply delightful.
Now, tell mother — what did she say?

Companion:
The wind thunders on the face of the waves,
her crests hiss in the blazing sun.

Sailor:
Be still, child… she speaks.

Sea (rising voice):
I will show you the way of the heavens, if you dare.
I will take you to the fathoms of your soul — just come near.
I will reveal all to you.
Just say you’re mine… from now until the endless tides of time.

Sea (echo):
Love me, fear me,
and love me more.
Love me,
fear me,
and love me more.

the wendel cycle

A sequence spoken through a recurring voice — part oracle, part witness — moving between command, confession, and summoning.

— INVOCATIONS

I am thunder.

I am the cloud.

I am the light behind the shroud.

•

Stand with me a moment, child.

Do you feel it too?

•

No more for now.

Till we are through.

My only way throughout

is you.