Facing the Ocean
I come to spread my thoughts across the water
not empty the lint of my sins from my pockets
on a High Holy Day or scatter ashes of a loved one
followed by a float of flowers in honor of his life.
I come to sort my emotions , words spoken or written
in comfort or discord, place them at a clear yet near
distance, floating on the buoyant back of the ocean,
so there is space to accept another’s perspective
while I watch shared feelings ride the windless waves
as they fold themselves quietly in to shore.
.
Janet Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, “Borrowed Scenery,” Yuganta Press, and “Through the Trees of Autumn,” Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University. Her mission is to help and guide Bridgeport’s young children through her teaching creative writing, leading book clubs and reading to and engaging a kindergarten class. As a poet, she co-directs the poetry program of the Black Rock Art Guild.
