I wrote this earlier today, after learning about the new Ruby Throat album. This poem can be read two ways: either in order, or the long lines followed by the italicized lines.

In time to sink the boat and watch it disappear into the dirty yellow depths
            she emerges
In time to stem the melancholy from rising to the surface all waves and whitecaps
            from clouds of ether
In time to skirt the edges and court the oppressive bent of desperation
            once adrift
In time to photograph the aftermath before the cover-up begins
            on ocean currents
In time for the worst possible moment short of complete destitution
            to balm the restless soul
In time this too shall pass
            before returning to the ether from whence she came

(29 October 2017)