Cliff

I was standing at the edge of the cliff 

staring into the dark waves

listening to the call of the sea

when suddenly you were 

standing beside me, saying 

not so fast

there is a deal of beautiful work 

for you to complete 

before it is time to move on.

It is the sea, I said

sometimes she speaks

and you nodded to show 

that you had also listened 

to the sirens of the rocks 

and watched the way that the kelp 

and sea lettuce undulate 

in their beds

and you told me 

this will pass

there is time to write another poem 

before the sun goes down.

How could you know

that for me the act of the poem

is my redemption 

except that each artist is

saved by the making of their art

and it must be the same for you

so if the sea is singing 

to you tomorrow 

I will find you to say

it is not yet the perfect hour

of visions so please

will you heed me and remain.

Photo courtesy of David McCaskill

https://500px.com/photo/105556873/CliffsofDoubtjpg-by-David-McCaskill/