Outstretched Arms

Spreading like a mast’s outstretched arms,

secured by the halyards, sails reflecting moonlight.

Wind swiftly carries the hull, waves jar,

thrusting sideways, sails correct the craft in water.

Wind so strong, rushing the vessel toward morning.

Vast blue ocean awaits at the mouth

of the Puget Sound. The water here

suddenly becomes frigid, current strong, like arms

drawing the hull back, the wind and morning

press forward, one false step, a moment too light

falling, slipping, quickly into icy water,

thirty minutes is all you have, if you stay where you are.

I love the sea, especially when I live so far

away. The spray of salt on my face, filling my mouth.

Salty smells satisfy my soul, take me to the water’s

edge. Greeting the wave, with outstretched arms,

sheer delight. The waves in the moonlight

twinkle and tease as opposed to morning,

they roll, crest, and speak, sometimes mourning.

If only I could capture the memories, put them in a jar,

sail through a warm, breezy night full of moonlight,

hair flowing free, eyes sparkling with excitement, mouth

open wide, catching the wind. My secure arms

relaxed steering the boat, gliding through water.

Sailing routes are similar, an overall journey on the water.

Just as each day is new, each morning

fresh, the tide and winds vary, like arms

moving a body, the forces jar.

The path of water never the same, like a mouth,

unpredictable, like words said in moonlight.

Clear night, gentle winds, sensual moonlight.

We drink our wine, smoke clove cigarettes, gaze over the water.

Sweet oil of clove rests on our lips, the mouth

longing for more, one kiss, and morning

arrives, the sun raised hours ago, the door ajar.

Intense conversation quieted by entwined arms.

The quiet of moonlight, the noise of morning.

Open sea, filled with luscious water, so far,

Away. Meaningless words, slowly release empty arms.