Poem: Big Boats

Holding the wheel of a sailboat, or the reins of a thoroughbred horse, are much the same sensation.

Big Boats Big boats and big horses, alike The same feel between the legs of rising power, eagerness, galloping across watery fields This animate thing held in the hands, rolls and plunges under me, alive A forty-footer, close hauled and flying Rail down in green water, she hisses and wind hisses back from the shrouds Shoulders braced against her wheel, leg out, to ride the thrust of sloping deck, so like a shying thoroughbred The wind is unpredictable, un-tame It lies peaceful and grazing, head down Then pricks its ears, neck swinging up to snort, reminding who has power, who merely holds the reins, sits deep in its roiling watery saddle, waiting Then we’re off and hunting-horns sound, sliding into blue-green troughs and rearing A bridle full of halyards, lines snapped taut She’s breathing hard, this bloodline carries years of careful breeding She knows her way to the finish, running free Wanting only a quiet word, a restraining hand stretched along her neck, trimming sheets to show respect for all these animated forces No patience now for faulty horsemanship Bring her close to the wind and heel her over Big boats need their head to bring you home

This poem is included in Jim Freeman's poetry collection BROKEN PIECES available here in print or as an e-Book in your favorite formats.