Your waters darken till barely gray

They blot up the night and slip away -

Stretched like a solemn bell’s note

Like an old ladies long Sunday coat

Like her cat extended to the fire

    Your waters darken till barely gray

    They blot up the night and slip away -

    I could easily walk forward

    A dozen steps would drop me in you

    The empty road, stubbly beach with its crop

    Of leftovers no barrier

    Nor my coat’s recoil

    Your waters darken till barely gray

    They blot up the night and slip away -

    Tumbling you what would I find

    In that slow, breath-defying moment

    Eyes blind

    Skin stupefied?

    Your waters darken till barely gray

    They blot up the night and slip away -

    Would I find – myself?

    We’re not so different

    Depths we share

    And rough edges

    Quick temper

    Restlessness

    What we most want always just

    Beyond reach

    Your waters darken till barely gray

    They blot up the night and slip away -

    You’re what I can’t find

    Though broad enough for maps

    And ships

    And possible monsters

    I can’t fathom you

    Grasp the words on your waves

    Which, with the bomb shock of

    Icy water, I know to be your truth – and mine

    So an old coat bobbing on water

    Can finally be forgiven for holding no answers

    And let go

    Your waters darken till barely gray

    They blot up the night and we slip away.

    Kj20sep09

    Kilchatten Bay, Bute