Rough Sailing

Photo: Angel Island, Steven Federle

deck rising,
waves tossing
taut life-
lines, cold-
sailing, salt-
air, dark water,
wrenched
by gale, by moon,
by jealous
core
of earth,

but hold firm
flex legs to keep
your balance
your next
breath
exhales life
like wind
roaring with
ex-
hilara-
tion.