topsail

From the formless void
The clean, sharp light of dawn
Circumscribes the sea

That once

Very nearly

Claimed my daughter and me
In one great swallow.

Now and again
I see that grey wall of water
Rising to engulf us.

I see my daughter
Opening her mouth to breathe
Only to claim water.

I watch her swim.
I swim with her.

I push her away
From the indifferent
Tumultuous sea

Toward something solid

All the while knowing
I have no say in the matter

The sea will claim what it will

This is a riptide

We are nothing.

But the sea spared her and me

And I see the line
Between here and now
And nothing.

I am on the right side
Of that line.
I am sure.