At Last
In a harbor just after dark
Shaky hands light the wick
A subtle flame illuminating
Pale toes beneath the
Ever coming waves; waiting
The water was warm and
Thick with sea salt much
Like the air was filled with
Anxious anticipation that caught
In a tight knot in her throat
A soft wind curled around
The coast’s bend pulling
Back the sails of the
Magnificent ship, the journey
Had not been easy nor brisk
Tireless water beneath swelled
Before it, daring and daunting,
Heaving against the crusted
Sides, thrusting the ship
Aback, but never without a fight
Many miles had separated
Along with many quiet
Nights and rainy ,
Threading hope into a thin
But sturdy rope to hold
Again the wind blew
Bringing a brown lock into
Her face, obscuring, only
For a moment, the vision
Of her deep, never blinking eyes
High to low the swells
Carried the boat, the gusts
Forcing the sails forward
Speed growing and strengthening
Going now with and not against
Atop the bow the captain
Stood, his gleaming eyes
Set on the ongoing
Horizon, wondering if it
Had been worth his travels
Dawn was creeping on,
Tickling the edges of the
World, her heart grew heavy
Against their rope, keeping
The flame alive, for a promise she made
She would not leave as
She had told him so, today
Was the day, in the water
She must wait and
Never fall into a slumber
He feared the sunlight
Now as he saw it peaking
In the West, its light
Was dangerous to the
Single flame that guided his journey
Cursed wind, how slow it moved
The journey was long enough!
Cursed eyes fail to find
All that he had been seeking
Time was running dry
Clammy hands twisted around
The brass holding the
Dripping candle, its wick
Was almost gone, the end
Surely now in her view
But, oh, look there!
A mast has come in view
Making a speck against
The gray, cloudless sky
Come, flame, burn a little more
Could it be what he thought?
He narrowed his eyes to see
Yes, indeed, the light he’d longed
For the many miles could
Separate them no more
At last
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