Step Child

STEP -CHILD Small boat, Step-child of the sea, Feels its way cautiously, Knows its role: Is merely tolerated. Uwanted offspring Feels the roll of the waves; Unwelcome intruder Momentarily gathers her strength In a rare flat calm, To withstand the buffets: Splash of salt shaken Into the eyes of the bow, Shudders at comber-crash into side, Wave-driver wind chops the deck Rocking and pitching entirely At the mercy of the sea. The sea holds the boat’s Life in its hands, Resents the volume she displaces, Always ready to say goodbye With one final wave. A relief to make land - Welcome solidity, Hold cap, raise collar, turn inland.