OK, ocean: 
	I have forsaken
                      the glittering blue eye of lake
to play at the lip of your vast, frothy mouth.
I have memorized your comings 
                               and goings, the tide charts, and the swell; I have
taken you into me by the gallon, let you
                                             pin me beneath your strong arms,
                               and I have been grateful
                                               for the seals beside me, infinity 
                                                                               in the distance, promise 
                              of pleasure. I have tried
to walk lightly over sand crabs and muck 
                I have learned not to turn away. 

Let me stand on your shoulders, 
                                                drop into you and carve 
                              my own hard line. I have been patient. 
Show me what to do
with my failures.




after Maureen McLane