I can, Sea.

A Poem by dining alone

you stretch across the earth
digest ships in harsh weather
but you just graze my hand
when I stand at the shore
you sense my respect
and your gratitude
takes the sun
and I see the gold
on the coastlines
where my love runs

I hear of the dangers
where your depths lie
the most interesting parts
protected by rows of teeth
I could never swim fast enough
to trust myself to test the water
we don't stop for creatures
that are hungry
and brush against the hull
just wanting to eat

you sense our fear
when the clouds come about
you capsize us
and hold us down
you give us death
as we sink to peace
we see blue skies
that never change
you showed us a place
where love can flourish
those who I love
appear in this meadow
while in happiness
we're nourished

I understand the salt
that prevents
all the humanity
from drinking you
off this planet
you have so much to give
but nothing to be taken