Infallible

The cemetery was a test of how long
I could hold my breath
How strong a superstitious heart fought
driving past its sword-tipped fence
every black stake a wrought iron second
without inhale
each a private hope to dodge a curse
disarm the haunt

The lines between floor tiles held spells
in grout like glue
so I skipped over cracks down long hallways
stayed clear within concrete blocks
like lily pads over raging waters
cautious leaps on clouds that kept me
in the skies

And I have yet to learn how to press roses in the dark
after wilting in the day
How to gauge the endurance of words
from damaged space

by definition:

v. sur-ren-dered, sur-ren-der-ing, sur-ren-ders

v. tr.

     1. To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.
     2. To give up in favor of another.
     3. To give up or give back (something that has been granted): 

surrender a contractual right.

     4. To give up or abandon:  

surrender all hope.

     5. To give over or resign (oneself) to something, as to an emotion:

surrendered himself to grief.

   
v. intr.
   
To give oneself up, as to an enemy.

from thefreedictionary.com

FINDING YOURSELF AT THE CLAW CRANE VENDING MACHINE

You forge spare change for the ill-

-usion of

              control.

Dangle metal jaws over

            plush bodies

                      and, with purpose,

                               

                               extract—

                       whichever one

                                               takes.

                                                                    You inhale at the emphatic

                                                                                       dangle,

                                                                  dispense all breath as you

                                                                                drop

                                                                                and deliver

                                                                                         your prize.