And why this boat?
It's red prehensile sail
Gathering the wind
Careering on a reach
Beyond my sure control.
I am alone below a sallow sky,
Propelled to no purpose
Upon an endless sea.
I thought I saw you there
But dreams deceive.
You were my island once
But now alone to grieve
I feel no substance
And the deep horizon fades
As I am bound upon
The whims of ruthless tides.
I feel this poem deep in my skin I feel it's heart wrenchin ache Thank you Tom full marks
Has many waves. Your expression of grief is so sad but I hope it helps you and maybe others. Such beautiful writing.
I hope so too. I think the help of friends like you is a big factor. But it is best not to hide from grief.
Very enjoyable. I especially liked these lines: Beyond my sure control. I am alone below a sallow sky, Propelled to no purpose Upon an endless sea. and these: And the deep horizon fades As I am bound upon The whims of ruthless tides.
Thanks, Kim. Luckily that wave of depression has eased. Maybe writing about it really does work!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I wrote it soon after my wife died in October. We both liked boats and most of the time being married to her was like being on a luxury yacht on calm seas. But with her no longer at the helm, after the initial shock, I felt rudderless. You are a boating person, if I recall, so you will understand the feelings. The red sail refers to a Mirror Dinghy I once owned.