Catfish Hymns
 
How did I not see the splendor? 
I only felt the dusty bake, 
And need of rain. A dry, brown place 
amid dead fields and shrunken lakes.

Kith and kin deceived, I fled 
To grandeur known as Good Time Isle, 
A playground for singles and misfits; 
Tangerine suns and love beguiled.

Neon sands to strut and plunder, Scattering lust on 
evening's tide, 
Watching girls dance poetry 
on sidewalks of smoke, tears and lies.

A decade echoes my return 
Across bayous and new dug graves- 
where pain thickens like chokeweed. Pray 
For my wicked and wanton ways -

Sing me songs by the river's edge 
With pole and line, I co-reside, 
Wanting undeserved forgiveness 
The darkness of your eyes decline.

Carol Burkhart's questions:

I am mainly interested in comments about meter. I am currently studying poetry and would like to have input into how to better construct this poem.