Wreck

The white sails and the tall ships call to me
I see the rising swell
Check the compass
All is well
I see the distant lights of other ships
Then they are gone
To re-appear beyond another crest.

I am content
I light my pipe
I walk, then climb below
I pass a man I can’t remember,
Into my cabin
Re-adjust the light
Lie down
And Silence is my fellow for the night.

What Hell is this?
Into what turmoil are we thrown?
My God! All light is gone
Total panic has availed
Total loss is in the air
Hold forth, wait, no despair

This ship cannot be overthrown
Never
Ever,
She is invincible
Made of steel
Nothing can touch her
Not elements — nor man
Oh my Almighty God
I forgot
You can!
All those husbands
All those wives
All those children
In whom our hope derives
Our personal fulfillment
Are you

I watch the sea
Watch her changing moods
Her Anger and her quietude
I watch it all in passive solitude

by Lorna Bain — December 29th, 1985