The Outward Tide Poem by JDC LeDrew

Your brother and I went clamming,
Out on the bay in our boat.
Harbor seals watched us on our way.
Their young popped-up their heads
To examine us,
While an outward tide pulled against us.

Leaving home, I noticed an old pair of boots
In the corner of the garage,
Boots you use to wear
On our adventures...
It was then I felt the outward tide and cursed it.

“Damn it to hell! ” I told myself,
Though I didn’t mean a word of it.
“The outward tide is a good thing,
Even if it carries you away from me.”

Lately, strangely, I’ll admit,
I’ve found myself haunting your room.
Stretching myself out on your bed;
Treasuring the memory of the sound of your voice
Echoing through my hallways.

The harbor seals lying on the sand bar,
Barely lifted their heads to notice us
As we boated by their young.
I, on the other hand,
Feel the rush of the outward tide
And daily curse the ache.