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, untame
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