(for Whitman)

Rising Tide

We are the water, we are the boats

the rising tide lifts

rushing into the bay

wearing down the shoals.

Do you remember how to swim?

There within our genes the sea salt

of a billion tears of struggle

the sea salt of origin

the ocean of the passage

not only slaves, but every creature

a child of water

of passage.

No need to stay dry

the water is warm

it is us ...

~~ Phil Specht