Sea Shanty
by Joy St. John Johnson © 2004

i. 
Affix on me your stern and stiff attention, 
            Approach me with sail wide open 
To meet and ride my undulations. 

I teach to you a cunning prow- 
           ess. I see the wooden figurehead. 
I’ll break myself upon your bow. 


ii. 
Not wishing to mar possible futures 
I dipped my oars most carefully 
Into the drama as it unfolded. 

Amour, they say, can be tough—
The hardest row to hoe. 
Many’s the hardy maid lost 
In an arid landscape where 
No one can render aid. 

So at the end of my arm 
I rowed mostly the air. 
Anyway I rammed your craft. 
You felt it like a raid 
On your territory. 

Now you’d be rid of me, and 
I’d need to find a new berth. 


iii. 
I am your opened ground, the fertility. 
I heave, I come to be with you. 
I’m big to hold it all and 
I hold it all. 
I hold you all.