Tossed, blown off course by the storm,
My skin pink from previous sunlight,
I stand on the deck and imagine she is there
waiting for me to reach shore
If I can just glimpse her in the distance like a soothing port of call
I know I’ll find my way.
But when the sail lies flaccid and I am adrift in the water,
I think I can hear the gurgling below,
Seeping in, Weighing me down.
My vessel riding low in the lapping waves.
And bailing water, I ache for the succor of her embrace,
The softness of her lips
And my tears mix with the rain and are lost in the wind.
I will sleep, but fitfully,
letting the rhythm of the sea rock me into slumber
While seagulls keen their lonely song
And the sun drips into the dark horizon.

(~Kelli Jae Baeli)