Fire Island

1. Sayville Ferry


2. Atlantic Ocean

In order to preserve my solitude.
In order to preserve the spirit.

I’m resorting to the ocean for help
because the ocean is deeply impersonal.

The waves are strong and cold and give
me courage to disown these gay men

sunbathing nude on the beach. You, I say,
have nothing to do with me. Waves roar

with approval. I disown nation and race too,
and the women, bare-breasted, who represent

humanity, and so, heat, decay, death.
I have nothing to do with you, reindeer.

The waves are that strong, that consoling.
I’m borne aloft by the ocean’s cold lift.

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