Three Leagues Offshore

I climbed the mainmast again last night

so much for the map

so much for the compass

we steer by the stars

we hunt by the moon

three leagues offshore

pale daylight squeezed from a charcoal sky.

I stand watch with the wind

and an old Russian sailor

with a glint in his eye

rounding the horn

with a head as light as ether

soaring on the earth turn

beneath a moon as white as sand

our destination lies within these parts

off the charts, an island sprung from

glimpses, dreams, and liminal imaginings

a land of sweet redemption

show me where the stars are falling

walk me through forbidden halls

let me breathe the inner sea when the vapor first rises

and feel the wind alive upon my skin