Saving Myself

The city is a rancid river
where I dare not tread.
The dead float silently past
as I try my hardest not to look.

While I want to make sure
these are not bodies I know,
the most I can do now is save
myself from the same fate.

I can't carry myself to safety
and drag you along as well, you're
already beyond the confines
of this earthly paradise.

If I can, I will come back
and show the proper allegiance.
I'll bury you with ceremony
only if I, myself, live on.