The Silver Sea Poem by Dennis Lange

I launch upon a seamless sea
Without a compass, chart.
Till found, I sail forth foolishly,
Survive by guile or art.

A shadow's all there is of me,
A speck when far away,
On ocean that goes endlessly
From days into a day.

The silver sea was here before
My little ship set sail.
Most men with canvas or an oar
Edged forward but to fail.

Beyond horizon, tale is told,
Believed as true by some,
That silver sea turns into gold
And hope does truth become.

And those few say there is a map
That tells them where they are,
That leads them safely from a trap,
And guides them to a star.

I wonder, wonder if it's true
As I look at the sea.
If not, my shadow, at adieu,
Is all that's left of me.