i. The Storm

Our ship lies in the ocean's swell, slowly
approaching a rocky shore, a graveyard
on the southern coast of Argentina
where injured sails drape abandoned vessels,
broken, forgotten, soaked smashed and split.
The swell is rising, pushing and lifting
our craft above the darkened earthen rocks.
The wave’s shadow submerges us in black.

ii. Wreckage

Sullied white sails
embrace the retreating sun
while we surrender.

iii. Fog at the Lighthouse

Ocean mist has its way, swallowing ships
that search for lost schooners. The storm and night
submit to the breaking dawn. Amidst thick,
suspended air, gray and moist, is a ship
sailing through the deluge of fog. Four sails,
tactless on their masts, approach sodden soil
and land shivering. The captain survives,
still strong enough to crawl desperately
across the rocks and earth toward the lighthouse.

Great fires gleam across the ocean in waves.
We shall forever keep that guiding light.