Working Title

I’ve written a book I now pray
will never be published
Working title “Goddamn”
Subtitle “Fuck”

You think I’m joking 
but in fact the profanity
is the least offensive thing
about that book

I thought I was sweet 
until I wrote it
but the brain of one
who could write such a thing

(where the title and subtitle
were the least deadly words
the cleanest and sweetest
I could use to proclaim the rest) 

that brain grows from
a bitter root and I’m sitting
with all that means
in my little room

The air reeks from it
Disturbance on paper
Common vulgarity
announcing common dirt

I wanted more of my work
I demanded less of me than I was
What have I got to show for it
when “Goddamn: FUCK”

is likely to be my legacy
unless I burn it and start again
Unless I burn myself down while 
praying I’ll have time to start again