The Art of Tetman Callis

so, my darling, you’ve shown me your lesions
and told me they mean you’re going to die

well you don’t get to feel so special
we’re all going to die
it’s just that maybe you have more precise information and belief
concerning your own demise

but that you’re going to die
(as if that makes you unique—as if!
that’s not what makes you unique)
is not enough to drive me away

you’re going to have to try harder than that
if you’re going to be rid of me

in the meantime
you’re for me and i’m for you
you are my lifeboat and i am yours
it’s a sort of magic

board me and i’ll carry you upon the ocean
riding over the crests of waves
though if i start to ship a little water
i will need you to bail

(Copyright 2023 by Tetman Callis.)