blessing the boats
(at St. Mary's)
by Lucille Clifton
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love you back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
Click here for An interview with Lucille Clifton by Grace Cavalieri.
Sail over to Amy's Poem Farm for today's Poetry Roundup.
Hi, Dori. I carry this poem around in my wallet (!) Thank you for sharing it, and the interview with Grace. BTW, for those in Maryland and DC, Grace Cavalieri is a wonderful writing teacher, as well as being a fine interviewer.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, so perfect. I think, Laura, that I am going to put it in my wallet too. And I'll be sharing it more. Thank you. Happy Poetry Friday, and happy joyful sailing to you too, Dori!
ReplyDeleteThis poem is soothing, blissful and uplifting. Love "sail through this to that." Thank you for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, how I miss the ocean! Having grown up in So. Cal and now living in the desert, my longing for "water waving forever" is keen. Thanks for sharing this poem today. = )
ReplyDeleteIt's a soothing poem and brings the images out for us to savor too, Dori. Thank you! I was on the ocean this past summer, fond memories!
ReplyDeleteYour site is looking wonderful, Dori--you do wear so many hats! This s a far-reaching poem by a wonderful poet. I miss her.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new poem for me, and I love it. I'm gearing up for a sea journey with some apprehension, so these words will work just fine!
ReplyDeleteForgive my belated arrival, Dori... my wind kiss turned into something more. ;) Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.
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