Arthur degree

 Lost his backbone years ago
tilted forward like a hungry governor
singlet covers him down to the short ends
Ahead of his wife as if to prove he could

swatting dependence away
backbone and spine in the drink
ankle deep in the salt water
lurched forward as he walks wet sand

each step is being sabotaged by the tide
but the half grin on his wifes face says they'll fail
sturdy caculating woman
sunset so far away from her vital mortality