The Island wraps me
in a cocoon of gray,
warm strong wind on the ferry,
steel sparkles from a partly shrouded sun

Though my loyalties have drifted,
though I don’t boast of ownership,
won’t brag about partaking
in night swims and sunset sails

Still the pull of family is strong,
and the wind is part of it,
as is the kinship with other ferry riders,
whom I don’t know,
as are the salty swells out of the east,
rocking the boat as it docks,
splashing the waves on the rocks,
speaking the rhythms of home.

©Wendy Mulhern
August 29, 2017