Yachtswoman in the Doldrums
after Eilean Ni Chuilleanain
When this is all over I’ll ride waves, hold the helm light enough to steer a course, let this boat sheer her keel, keen to the winds of chance. I’ll chart my route to any port in a storm – bring on that storm, blot out those sharp stars – break mirrors. Snatched by sea bird squalls, wondering about the fuss of sitting here stock still bound by flat seas on all sides. I’ll be flying – hoist! Hoist! Seven years on, I’ll be laughing.
Maggie Reed, from When All This Is Over (Calder Valley Press, 2020)
