engine idle just beyond the
ancient boathouse
river calm and waiting silent
to the weed beds
and the spaces vast, beyond
ease the throttle slowly forward
hear the engine twist propeller
feel the hull engage the water
see the bow rise, stand above it
know the speed in dagger wind
hear the power of the engine
slice the rhythm of the waves
hear the sharp staccato slapping
chanting heart’s unending hammer
forging music of the wind
autumn’s leaves possess the islands
riot of a subtle kind
sky a sapphire hymn of angels
taunting waves to know the blue
and the spaces vast, beyond
