unvirgin birth

there's no returning from the sacred ship

that bears each victim from from the eastern shore

far out to westward where the oceans pour

past the world's edge and over freedom's lip

into the void we move at such a clip

that in a moment we're at the new door

and none is ready to assess the score

add up the bill and work out the full tip

enough of images it's time to scold

those who wait patiently with their critique

but cannot see the beauty in the pain

of torment in harsh sun and twisting cold

that tears the strongest heart and turns it weak

nor can it find true healing in the rain