The Cursed Mariner

Drowned Apostate

O sea, devour me and tear me apart!
May Iuno’s wrath be poured upon the plank
And rag that bore me o’er. My stubborn heart,
My pride has brought me here deprived of thank.

Arms consume then smother my breath whilst still
I curse at clouds and empty air above.
Ferry my corpse through Charon’s eth’real mill
With no hope of an Orpheus to love.

My life dissolved as flame is spread across
A ribbon fair so vainly kept in piece.
Yet, once I knew but left the sacred cross.
It was not I who needed it the least.

I would confess, yet none will hear my breath,
My audience is but me and dear death.