In the autumn of my seaworthy life
I humbly confess the ever so now and then
Occasional bumping of Bay’s ample bottom
I’ve known the silent wheeze of sloop’s hull on mud
Escaped each time with a kedge or a quick tug
With no more than a red face to show for my lapse
I confess I’ve known the Bay’s mercy
Shallow and shifting her channels, but forgiving
Gentle with her brackish tides and
Quick to release, shrugging off the insult
The lesson bobs unbidden to the surface
Whene’er my right of way is sorely wronged
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Copyright Deborah McGlauflin, July 2011. All rights reserved.
