Brian Purdy - Hanratty, Himself

Forty years I trudged
And had no answers;
A mind that was at sea
And heart unanchored.

The day I had my birth
My father cursed.
Today, I saw him dead
And wished him worse.

Even from the start,
My mother's teeth
Tore my heart to bits
When I would sleep.

No angels dance on pins
No god's in heaven
Tonight I drink and dice
From nine to seven.

Sixty years I lived
And saw no worth;
Now, harpies, drink my blood
And do your worst.

One night I will go down
Beside the sea
Anchorless, alone
Will cease to be.

Brian Purdy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hanratty-himself/