Stowaway

a poem about moving forward in life

Stowaway

Caught up in so many ocean currents.
I followed you for free.
I should have dropped anchor years ago.
I should have let you be.

Worst part was holding on for life.
I couldn’t see the shore.
I didn’t know the land she beckoned me.
I thought I was at war.

Not knowing air was all-important.
I didn’t know to breathe.
I could not raise my voice to yell.
I felt the sea embrace me.

You gave me gills to keep me where I was.
I knew it was a ploy.
I knew by then no gift was free.
I was no less fish than boy.

This is the ragged life of a fool at sea.
I ride along the waves.
I give more than I receive.
I’m rescued but can’t be saved.

Too suddenly I’m old as sand.
Alone amassed near shore.
I know the land she beckons me.
But what does she beckon me for?