Le Deluge

Look at him. Fucking idiot. Still banging
on that boat like it’s gonna save his life.
You know, I called him out. But there’s no changing
an old man’s mind. I feel bad for his wife.

Day in, day out, she has to hear that shit.
End of the world! he says. Our time is come!
So fucking loud, oh god, I wish he’d quit.
As if god gives a shit ’bout what we done.

I feel bad for him too, for what it’s worth.
Damn drunk. You believe he believes that shit?
What kind of fucked up god would drown the earth?
We ain’t doing a thing. Keep them fires lit.

Live life, fill your belly, defend your blood,
and don’t you worry ’bout... well god damn, it’s raining.

First published in The Road Not Taken (Summer, 2023).