Image: Barbara Ryther
Moored
She’s such a small boat
In such a lot of water
Mostly she floats gently
But then
A tidal surge
A storm swell
A sudden squall
The wake of a passing tanker
She rocks and sways
The death of a loved one
An estrangement
A hope slipping away
A fear realized
Memories lost
She drifts and shudders
Lines that hold her fast
Strain
Snap
Fray
Fail
One line holds
Sometimes unseen
Unsensed
Doubted
Disbelieved
But always there
Secure
Strong
Loving
Gentle
And the small boat stays moored
Barbara Ryther
09/04/2025