Please Don't

My father’s crown fits heavy on my head

Every edge of this broken land cutting through my temples

                Please stop.

I lift my father’s sword. 

Lips mouthing a covenant I know I cannot keep

                Don’t make me king.

I watch you bow before me.

Prostrate on the ground.

                Please.  Stop.

Because you don’t know what the Sea and I know          

I’m a prisoner

His prisoner

Trapped like a fly

Lacking courage, lacking strength

You demand I calm the Sea

Demand I chase his monster

And the sea demands it too

Please.

I’m your whimsy.

I’m your puppet.

I'm your king.