The sailing boat pitches
in the violent sea
it rocks from side to side
a crying baby in its mother’s arms

The heavy boom swings
like an old clock pendulum
the thick ropes creak
the sail cleats strain

The mast snaps in half
like a dry twig
it falls into the sea
leaving only a jagged stump

The wind stops howling
the violent sea calms
the boat stops rocking
asleep in its mother’s arms