In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April.
BRIGHTWORK
by Shannon Borg
We’re rubbing the brightwork clean
……….Every scratch, each faded rail swells
with tales of where this boat has been: laid open
……….like an oyster on a beach, or gliding
muck-ruddered into sunny harbors,
……….teak cracked apart by light’s knife.
In one tiny cove, the boat broke
……….loose, swung around and slammed
our sleep against the bench.
……….I barely knew you then, and you
barely knew the boat but now I believe
……….what they say is true: Boats
are female, and yours guarded you.
……….Reluctantly, she hauled me
from port to tattered port, until I saw
……….for myself, her winches creaking,
hull heeling in the gale. Many times I panicked
……………….and my heart pounded itself mad.
But slowly, the secretions of terror hardened, wore down.
……….My fear polished itself into a pearl.
For the first time, I needed to worship —
……….with scrub brush and chamois and wrapping of sheets.
Amen for watertight, for headstay and keel.
……….Amen for tack and jibe and a good run downwind.
For opening my eyes each day to this gorgeous
……….scuffed vessel, body that holds me
between grey sky and silver sea, in a space
……………………….a bit lower than heaven, sails blown
full of more entropy that I can possibly praise.
i wish i had the words to say how this poem affected me but i am struck dumb. all i can say is, that is a high compliment.