To the Sea

To the Sea

I cannot speak to the Sea

I've been on its shore infrequently

Here I know it's predecessors

The rain the rivulets the gutter water

I have seen the remnants

Of the fast water in volume

That came down deep canyons

Destroying old banks of simple creeks

Scraping trees and rocks

Into torrents that rammed houses

Into kindling and people into graves

I have seen the Sea as adult

But mostly as a child falling 

From the sky to begin it's gathering

Into creeks and rivers

The teenagers of water 

That grow to fill the Sea 

I have seen the Sea as a youth

Petulant greedy for a bigger life

Away from small towns

That only remembers the father

That only remembers the mother

Oh you are the son of the June storm

What was it's name that doesn't matter

As all names that disappear into time

Soon surrounded by more and more

Waterfalls as they roll to the Sea

Does a river learn more or see

Itself corrupted by the society of water

As it heads towards your incessant

Lapping as if it were a thirsty dog

Even the breath goes high

Into the air to create the puffy screens

Hiding sun and stars appearing

And disappearing into the earth

All people are promised to you oh Sea

This ends all I know or suspect

All that surrounds the animals and plants

Who live in you that you surround

Be kind to me when I come to you

Let me see what I do not know

Even if your terrors split me dry

Barry G. Wick