Waves

A wave lasts only moments

but underneath another one is always to be born.

This isn't the Tao of people but of waves.

As a student of people, waves, the Tao,

I'm free to let you know that waves and people tell the same story

of how blood and water were born,

that our bodies are full of creeks and rivers flowing in circles,

that we are kin of the waves

and the nearly undetectable ocean currents,

that the moon pleads innocence

of its tidal power, its wayward control of our dreams,

the way the moon tugs at our skulls and loins,

the way the tides make their tortuous love to the land.

We're surely creatures with unknown gods.

-Jim Harrison from Saving Daylight

Hunger

Photo: www.hardascole.com

My reasons for being there were as murky as the water.

Still, I pushed off the rocky ledge and into the ocean, spear in hand, 

having convinced myself that a fish for dinner was all I sought.

However moving blindly ahead, spear, now more a cane than a weapon,

surrendering to the pull of the ocean (or was that you brother Moon?), 

it all became clear. 

And though I left without a fish, 

I was nourished.

A deep hunger, 

sated.

Shipwreck Weather

A life on the ocean wave, 

A-home on the rolling deep! 

Where the scater'd waters rave, 

And the winds their revels keep. 

Like an eagle caged I pine On this dull, 

unchanging shore. 

Oh give me the flashing brine, 

The spray and the tempest's roar.

-A Life on the Ocean Wave (Trad.)

The 65' Schooner "Ingomar" faring none-to-well in Spring gales off Morro Bay.

Sea shanties (from the French word "chanter" meaning "to sing") are traditional shipboard working songs used to bolster morale and to ease hardships.  

Seems every Spring when bracing nor'westers howl, and surf checks often lead to disappointment, I often remain with longing gaze, searching the horizon for Summer swells before finally turning up my collar, tugging down my beanie and humming as I take my leave.