I receive your stories, day after
day. Coil after coil, I carefully
pull them from you. In my hands,
they seem rough, but sturdy.
They will do.

You see, there is a storm out. Winds blow
hither and thither. Waves crash
angrily. Keeping the boat afloat
is using up all my strength.

I am using your stories
to tether my boat to the shore.
Word after word, they serve as
my lifeline to the shore---
and you.