If I

If I stay

to watch the fog creep in and

overtake the hills

devouring the trees and leaving only the

damaged voices of coyotes in the dark

If I stay to watch the sun come up and bathe the sky

in vulgar light and blind me

with the privilege of sight

If I stay to lie

under the stars, and close my eyes

against the tired

waiting moon

If I stay

to clothe myself in the longing of your skin

If I stay to blink away the sleep and reach for tiny hands

If I stay and take the grace

of your perception

Will you offer me forgiveness

when I drown?