SI.LU.IGI

Every ferryman's the same,
From Charon to Sakhalin's
Old convict Chekhov nicknamed
"Good-Looking Can't-Remember-
My-Relations," from John Lee
On the lam at Lonely Dell
To Aqen, the mouth of time.

Sin and killing got them there,
Back-and-forthing fixed them there,
Leaning on their poles, telling
Their tales, ignoring their fates.
Know what a ferryman is?
In a word, word, gift of speech,
That cold obol in your teeth.