First Edit: Red River of the North

[Richard]

Red River of the North

How many do you keep below?
You, who devour women and girls
like chocolate covered raisins.

Are you satisfied knowing the proper weight
to sink them?
Did you feel jilted when that one slipped away,
resurfacing,
wrapped in a Costco blanket?

You'd probably brag to the oceans if you could:
compare your body counts,
wear ribbons for special numbers,
finish your beers, stumble home.

We could discover all your secrets,
but the cost is measured in dollars
on a white page,
justice just another waterlogged body.

Red River of the North

What secrets do you keep below?
You, who devour woman and girls
like chocolate covered raisins,
occasionally vomiting one back up.

Are you satisfied knowing the proper weight
to sink a person forever?
Do you feel lovelorned when one slips away,
resurfacing, wrapped in a Costco blanket?

You'd probably brag to the oceans if you could:
compare your body counts,
wear ribbons for special numbers,
finish your beers, go home, and dare to dream.

Someday we might discover your secrets.
The cost measured in dollars on a white page,
justice just another waterlogged body.
Those who knew you, ashamed for a moment
that'll pass like any other.
Your apology typed and read by someone else.