Two small shrimpers, aging yet able,
Secured for repairs toward the end of the dock,
Spark brief fancies of high sea daring do
In passerby who’ll never try to depart.
Nonstick Notions
Morning Respite on the San Sebastian River
Returned from their night run
With outriggers high,
The catch unloaded,
And their crews scattered wide,
Shrimp boats rest easy,
Mirrored in the still waters.
Aficionada at Georgie’s Diner in the Time of Plague
She arrives deliberately early,
Predawn darkness, doors now unlocking.
Social-distancing conscious
And middle-counter blocking,
She studies the specials,
Her eyes slow-list descending;
Hidden under her breath, tasteful recitations
Savoring intimations
Of the more fulfilling respites.
Check List: Casting into Surf
Hooks baited __
Index finger holding down line in front of first guide __
Middle and ring fingers just behind first guide __
Correct position for casting __
Reel bail released __
Left hand gripping handle __
Breathing steadied __
Focused on this place right now __
At one with sky __
At one with sun __
At one with sea __
At one with fish __
Covering Bases
Drawn to a sculped head in the wall,
I pause to examine my attraction.
Be this god, or demon, or man? I ask.
And is he angry, or is he in agony?
Lacking any answers,
I cross myself upon taking my leave.
Reconnection
Fishing in calm surf
Quiet outside quiet inside –
Standing meditation
Always Toward the Light
Down that narrow lane
Where the facades of the shops are bright
And the path bends east and out of sight,
The unknown future beyond the curve beckons.
Holy Night in St Augustine
Sailboat swings in midnight’s breeze,
Rocking the crew below to sleep.
Waterfront buildings light the quay
As eve gives way to Christmas day.
Fresh Start
The sun rises over the Matanzas Inlet,
Washing the facades of the waterfront shops
And stirring the family asleep below deck.
First gift of a good morning.
Mind Design
The weathered window is shuttered
And the potted plants untended.
Still, that unknown and unseen within
Conjures an awe-full image.
