Awash in Duwamish

TRAVERSING DUWAMISH BAY

One need not enter the water here,
and perhaps dare not –
dark water, roiling in a breezeless night –
a tester of souls.

So one must choose a vessel
suitable to ones disposition
and level of fear – to explore
the depths of their spirit’s call
and balance of heart
and knowing.

A small bark perhaps or cockerel
fit for one alone, but rudderless –
leading to adventure,
but never safe haven,
except by chance.

Select a punt and stand erect,
while probing the depths
with controlled trust and parry –
ever wary of being stuck
and stranded
alone.

A row boat is a sensible choice,
save you can only steer
by seeing where you have been –
or by furtive glimpses
leading to a circled course.

The ferry is always there, secure;
tethered to either foggy shore
by dogmatic ropes and shackle rings,
which require a stranger
to pull you along.

Me? I think a canoe –
with room for two (thereby three,
which I can control
with practiced stroke and glide,
and never care whether I
and thee
ever get anywhere at all.