Vouchsafe

(a poem about promises, passage, and presence)

This is about promises -

or rites of passage -

a privilege,

to calm waters and safe harbors,

where we are pirates,

caravanning…

and off we go,

through the inlet,

toward the ruby-centered chest of thieves -

a vouchsafe

between you and me.

Amidst the peace,

captains of the sea -

and what is before you?

you ask,

looking straight into me.

In the wide ocean,

it’s only ever a side-eyed glance

that keeps the star charts tracked -

ships passing,

their flags waving.

Now -

landed,

our feet feel planted.

We stand,

one into the other,

for equal measure,

like stories of ancient places

measuring a heart

with the feather.

Exotic,

bold and brave…

worthy.

…hungry…

thirsty…

lonely…

Ready.

(soft breath, together, right into each other)

Ready?

~ Patience