Head to Wind

Head to Wind

Life is sailing out on the bay —
you haul the sheets so you’re not blown every which way,
you watch the wind and the tide,
trim the sails to soften the ride.

Sometimes the waves crash over
and you laugh at the shock of cold water,
you hold the helm to stay afloat,
watch the cardinal markers
and steer clear — avoid the passing ships.

You watch the lights on the harbour wall,
watch the ebbing tide so you’re not left stranded,
line up your markers
and tack across the bay.

It’s hard — the wind, the waves —
and you’re tired, bones and breath tired,
so you turn head to wind
and rest.

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