ship of fools

careens toward rocks

hull already splintered

segments falling off

crew sodden with drink

maddened with drugs

beds encrusted with semen

& writhing with bugs

supplies long-spent

in a single rush

some cans remain

an ambiguous mush...

now deadened stratas

devour weaker ones

play the games of madman

drink the terrible punch

they wave off the rocks

encircling the boat

as women scoop brine

& keep the vessel afloat