Yarrow House

Still Afloat

             —A toast to the living

Here’s to those of us 
who are still at sea, 
who tread slanted decks, 
with sails frayed and rigging
giving way, who close our eyes 
and see waves endlessly rolling.

Here’s to those of us who watch 
for wear and compass readings 
in the same glance, ready
for trouble even in sleep. 

Here’s to those of us who circle 
on the high seas of our living, 
breathing, hesitancy of a life 
and wish for a moment 
we were at a steady table 
toasting those who were still at sea. 
				

Onetime reproduction for non-resale purposes permitted by the author with the following credit line:  by Judith Yarrow