He Knew These Waters Well

Autobiographical metaphoric journey

He Knew These Waters Well


Experience prepared him.
This wasn’t something new.
His vessel seaworthy…up for the task.
He knew these waters well.

Predicament compelled him.
Contemplation was done with.
A charted course was needed.
He knew these waters well.

Set off from coastal shallows…
true sense of course engaged.
This ride through treacherous channels…
He knew these waters well.

Cormorants stared him down, curious…
…silhouettes on trestle beams.
Approaching broader reaches…
He knew these waters well.

The bay exposed its rocky shoals…
…resting seals basked in the sun.
Surrounded by treacherous beauty…
He knew these waters well.

The bay transitioned to imposing river…
…its rapid current flowing.
A rip tide posed its gauntlet…
He knew these waters well.

River became harbor…
With its crowded flotilla.
…his modest vessel weaving through.
He knew these waters well.

Harbor gave way to open sea…
…with gentle rolling swells.
He set his course and destiny.
He knew these waters well.

Choosing not to hug the coast…
…he steered for open water.
With land still seen…afar.
He knew these waters well.

With a heading set due south…
…in the distance he could see…
…a familiar ghostly landmark.
He knew these waters well.

Approaching distant bluffs…
…a whale appeared to greet him.
A guest in its domain…
He knew these waters well.

Passing around the cape…
The sea began to stir.
Swells festooned with white caps.
He knew these waters well.

Finally in the distance…
…the bounty., if you will
The backdrop of city skyline stood calling.
He knew these waters well.

Approaching its majestic harbor…
a sense of revelation, of emerging clarity…
…for in time he knew he’d set a course…
to know these waters well.