Cape To Cove Poem by sandy galacio

The ocean rolls and writhes
in mottled green confusion
under a Force 6 breeze
scudding clouds race by
chasing in fluid grays
beauty losing balance
cause for a fearful day

A sloop, very yar, heeled over
turns her head from the wind
to fly on a broad reach
and double round the rocky cape
full keeled to hold a course
gunnels curved in a saucy sheer
the beam of a lady built for speed

Skipper steady on the tiller
minding the deadly rocks ahead
eyes them thru the bows
back arched, stretched out tall
spare hand grasping the sheet
feet hard on the rail
a fitful ride, a fearless spirit

Sails stiffen drumhead tight
rigging whistling a salty shanty
the slim mast metronomes
arcs, pitches and rolls
hull and sea meet uneasy
pressing, slipping, sliding
making knots to live by

To founder here is fatal
as bow and stern lift and dive
intent to hold this point of sail
rocks and waves roar defiance
winds spew foam and spray
death furls his brow in anticipation
angst displaces cool detachment

Cape gives way to cove!
seas quell, angry skies retreat
the sloop slides in, sails drop
anchor bites the bottom.
framed above her own reflection
beauty reclaims balance,
the sun aspires to bathe her