Have you ever tried to sail
against the tides?

Heeled into the stiff wind,
with the jib straining,
the rigging humming,
the bow cleaving the waves
and spray cascading over the fore-deck,
you seem to be making great headway.

But a glance back to the shore
confirms the truth.

Something about that island
you are trying to leave
seems to be holding your ship
in its thrall,
as if an invisible rope
stretches back to the shore.

But it is not the island's gods
preventing your escape.

It is nothing more than the tides.
You have started your voyage
at the wrong time.
You must give up this vain attempt,
furl your sails, drop your anchor,
and go below.

You must sit this out
and wait for the tide to turn.