if I raised up my hands
to some perfect heaven
beyond impenetrable clouds
if I collapsed onto an unforgiving earth
and from bloodied knees
I did bellow
much as a beggar … much as a broken spirit
if I bowed my shame filled head
so it could go no lower
and submitted to all above me
if I were to offer
unto the most discerning god
my own last breath
if I were to … from now evermore
serve an insidious master
and see no more of light
if I could provide great amounts of treasure
to the merciless
if I were to do these things
and do them without delay
do them in earnest manner
could she be returned?
could she be yet once more of life?
could she be brought again to breathe?
could I see her smile at least for a moment?
could I speak to her a mere few words … could I might …
… only words that before I failed to speak?