It started like it always did,
With a body.
This one was in the river.

I could tell she had once been beautiful.
But this, a bullet and fast current
Had taken away from her.

All we are, all that we think we are,
All that we are certain about
is taken away from us.

Eternity had been my teacher,
My mistress.

From the moment I opened my eyes,
she was in my blood, like cheap wine.
Bitter and sweet, tinged with regret.

I’ll never be free of her,
Nor do I want to be.

For she is what I am.
All that is.

All that should be.