Classic Poem

The timbers rise out of the bay
On a clouded, sunlit morning
Reflection’s pier in the water
An old weather-worn shack
Five white windows to see the day
The seagull dips and glides
Slow-motion

This photograph makes
A stop of time

I want to get off
Walk the platform
Drop my line in the water
And wait
Watch, the sun’s slow
Mount from valley to crest, hear
The wind telling tales:
Of wise old men
And the daunting sea.


(Previously published in Blue Fifth Review, Summer 2003)