Normal

Unspeakable becomes our normal state,
Our eddying regard is stabilized
And made to seem sublime, smoothly devised
To make this riotous life seem sedate,
As neat as dimes on the collection plate,
As we two were until the ship capsized.
I had your crazy blueprint notarized,
Expecting trouble. That’s my usual fate.

It’s more a shock each time than a relief
When you tell me nobody gets to quit:
These games you play remind me of the Pit,
With every sort of murderer and thief.
I put my hand over my mouth with grief
Each time you speak. I’ve gotten used to it.