Those enclosed lamp lights in windows alert to passing
ship offers of first mate ̶̶ you'd wake and grace the morning
yearn the keys to cabin closets; the farthering stern boil
not yet under way.
That half moon need to know
how hearts on deck grasp grip at wanting grounding
sheets of wave; first gush first outcry breaking sea
weed dream to day.
How else could you have felt the tide take floats of
innocence trembling, while conch shells raise ̶ what wind?
what change in webbed bird step whose unswept shore?
The bare foot years the wish for paths for choice full
blooming styles; for moves past screaming Madre mía!
playing that teacher out for touch, the taxi drivers rear
view cue; hot lid nails made cool with shadow polish.
Stitch by stitch, decorum easing pleats for peeks, that lust
mote wedge at the corner of eyes, young men on line on
hold importing sweets.
The bark of dogs ̶ the gates you dared!
stretch beats of wing ̶̶ line curve in air.
From lies the sting you didn't expect in the Admin's bite left
neck memos. Thank the stars no Toyota blood pack swirling
terror dust blade upswing testing how far fast you run before
the tumble pins you down ̶̶ goat foraging not far from grasses
past when loins ate hair; brush close to scarf rules cheeks
bright tight for after calls to prayer.
Vida de mi vida ̶ your lighthouse radiant
beam through storm so sure ̶ long before tattoos
were vogue, our high seas etched high marks ̶
how you've grown, wave girl, now you're known.
– W.W.
OBSERVANT
If innocence is impulse without lust,
it is your guileless grace that I desire.
If tenderness is a rose's cool musk,
it is the perfume of your fresh petals
that touches, angels me, a faithful cloud
that will outlive my seedings of its rain.
If caution is a flower of value,
it is the bud of your care I would keep.
If watchfulness is an eager eagle
of vulnerability on the hunt
for a chance to bridge the nearest abyss
between this need for real food and that want
of warm wine, then I long to become one
alert feather of your generous wings.
(from "The Gift Of Screws" by Brian Chan)
FARJOURNEY CARIBBEAN 