The sea near Ithaca

Meditating, in the back cockpit of the boat
while we bounce onwards at six-point-five knots
mains’l hoisted and engine on
through light airs and gently rippling waters

I form a litany of my friends’ names
repeat them softly
thank them for
their support and solacing words

Because this wide empty sea
now glittering, sparkling in the noonday sun
can swiftly change

black clouds can mass and coil
wind whip up dark water
foes appear from an unseen beyond.

Now not another vessel near
We are lone silent souls in our small barque
land far away ... distant mountains just discernible
dim through a veil of mist

The engine rumbles, grumbles
our wake spreads white-flecked behind.

I fear this sea and the dark waters
Inside me lurk black terrors
deeper than explanation.