Sea of Small Fears
Here in the mist our fingerprints
Drift like whorls on water.
I study my thumbs. Barren islands.
They drown what dares come ashore.
The sea takes a deep breath.
Husks rustle under the swells.
I am lifted by dolphins.
The sun is lifted by me,
Raised over my head, put down.
There is yolk on my fingers, salt.
Small boys wrestle the ropes,
Our sails yawning for home.
The seawall shudders but holds me,
Moon’s claws sharp on my heels.