We lived in a lifeboat for many years.
A thin rope, frayed, flecked green, connected bow
To a land of heat that observed our pride
As we heaved to draw in when waters ebbed low
To be set out once more, come the high tide.
We grew accustomed to ceaseless bobbing, and
Hunkered down low when scorching tempests raged.
Eyes flicked hard past when we touched morning sand.
Necessities parsed. Consciences purged.
We clambered aboard and held tight our curse
Lest it filled our vessel and saw us merged
As one with the seas. Our ill-starred vessel in it bore
Our crucial, excess selves, flung far from shore.