I Wandered Lonely As a Boat

"I wandered lonely as a cloud." William Wordsworth I wandered lonely as a boat a shallow dingy left behind, alone in marsh of reeds remote my paint now faint so unrefined, my only hope the next high tide on brackish water then I’ll ride, in aimless drift left up to fate the wind and wave upon the bay on rhythmic swells, I’ll grow sedate with naught to see through mists of gray… on ripples pale so soft so free my destination out to sea; that distant place where lay the sun across the sunset waters west, the ambiance of cirrus spun to brush with colors every crest where I can bathe in shades so bold; the melting solar marigold. Yet — let go I must of wishful dreams! My lifeline dispossessed I strayed and followed streams with other schemes — now lofty tide cannot be swayed, a rustic wreck in reeds reposed their wind-song whispers I’m imposed. There’s no escape their soldiers’ lance, the blades of green so tall and crisp, with waves they undulate in dance and breezes ruffle tassels’ wisp, though swans find beauty mid the reeds —a wistful coward’s bitter weeds. Susan Ashley January 14, 2023 ~ Second Place ~ Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 25 Sponsor: Mark Toney ~ Poem Of The day ~ January 16, 2023 Poet’s note: this poem was inspired by, but not written for, the contest: “I Wandered Lonely As… Challenge”, sponsored by Natasha Scragg and judged on September 24, 2022. Thank you, Natasha, for the beautiful William Wordsworth quote and for the poetic inspiration. Photo: gettyimages; Jay Fleming