down in the deep
where the little girl lies
clutching tight my darkness
among the cornsilk weeds

this is why i am harmless
something to do with those hands of hers
and the way her back turns
forever away from shore

so always i have poled along
the edge of these waters
and shake in the bad nights
remembering the moment she slipped
the fullness from under my ribs

meaning this is where i am
waiting on the shallow edge of sleep
for a girl always turning always smiling