From the Natural Harbor
Amy Eisner

                     And suppose we left it at this:

the tall ship sailing away, bearing only
the little salt collected on the hull

and some bedded plants. In the hold,
no prisoners. No convicts left behind

to pray. And if tomorrow the ship
should break apart in a storm

no rescue would be mounted
no war of discovery would spread.

The ocean leads a thoughtless life. 

                     If like water
we knew how to find our level
and leave to air the air

                     if notions could be laid aside

if we could close the heart gently as the lid
on a simmering pot, and turn down the flame-

then we might remain
quiet as a continent

which is busy enough
            watching the tide release

that exotic ship, shaking out a little seaweed
in the first farewell.

© 2002 Amy Eisner