the first time -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

savor the salt, as if the first time

tracing the lines upon your weathered face

reaching the tongue of solemn affirmation,

a found faith, reciting a seaman’s grace

         

set sight on waves, as if the first time

swelling, against a battered stern

hoist a sail amid the bash of rolling thunder

while praying calm not long return

 

sense the wind, as if the first time

unhinged, unending, and blessed forever free

giving ground to the years you took the helm

of ships traversing the mighty sea

 

heed the call, as if the first time

you passively walked along her shore

taking oath to be her eternal lover -

that ageless maid known only in sailor’s lore

 

bkmackenzie

copyrighted 2009