Melvillean Dreams, pt. 2

“Baby Budd, Jemmy Legs is down on you!”
— Herman Melville, Billy Budd, Sailor

Claggart’s Desire

In another universe, we could’ve been lovers.
Your face, those eyes, haloed and young
Reflects the blue of the sea, I bitterly muttered…
Or tried to, it ladened and butchered my tongue.

Your beauty forced my hand, yet you’re unaware
That I’m a sinner now, a fallen Adam, tempted
And trapped in this serpentine, one-sided, demonic affair.
You twisted my soul, unholy, debased, affected!

The ocean gently sways and I linger, thinking
Of you, of course, my hands wrapped
Around your thin neck, nails embedded, wringing
Conquering, maiming, lips chapped…

Baby Budd, they pray to you, worship, Baby,
Insisting on sainthood and biblical pioneers,
But my pious soul betrayed me,
And I know you in my heart, Mutineer.