December 26, 2004
-
Sailing Off the Hook — Chris Kleinfelter
Sailing Off the Hook
Morning light trembles in the
Curve of the mainsail.
The vessel strains against the anchor,
Ready to sail away with it,
Wresting it from the firm hold
Of creek-bottom clay.
Here is the time tested struggle,
Departing from a place where serenity
Is a force that stops clocks in the
Headlong plunge toward the future.Leaving this peaceful anchorage,
Where night-birds screamed of love,
Between the watery still nesses,
And swans dropped in to share breakfast,
Requires a quiet exit.
No engine’s noise must be allowed
To break the spell of silence
Woven by the gift of tranquility,
Generously bestowed on wayward travelers.Shout no command; but speak
In the low voice of worshipers,
Step lightly on the deck,
Unfurling the sails slowly,
Like raising the flag,
With dignity and respect,
Forsaking the ease of modern ways,
Practice the age old mariners art.
Creep silently down the aisle
Of natures silent cathedral
With the wake following behind,
Murmuring its benediction.Sailing off the hook is
The best way to start a new day,
Moving across broad waters
Where fortune rides on the swell
As time whispers in the rigging.Chris Kleinfelter
http://users.nbn.net/~chrisk/spring.htm
