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)
