Dear Paraclete (Inspired by Hozier: “Work Song”)

I give my faith to my daughter’s heart; and live that faith; and
Tear that fountain; and perish nightly; and breathe daily; and
Wash the villain; and keep a distance; and love life, unafraid.
I’ve died so often: unafraid of death; and mother cried; and

Father felt; and so much to love: wherefrom?; and Heaven hell:
The hell of Heaven; and so many tears: my wetted palms; and
Gentle this death; and fervent this zeal; and cross a light—
Despite the pain; and yes, my love: I’m torn asunder. She

Buried love, and tortured faith; and now the years—a broken
Face; and I gnaw the seed—a ten day binge—my living room;
And she speaks; and I pass out. I resurrect, and dust the wings;
And daughter cries—our silent scream; and distant smiles—
Plead a heart; and heart of brick—an anger swift; and such the
Feel; and such the curse.