Absolved And Free

"When his boat snapped loose

from its mooring, under

the screaking of the gulls,

he tried at first to wave

to his dear ones on shore,

but in the rolling fog

they had already lost their faces.

Too tired even to choose

between jumping and calling,

somehow he felt absolved and free

of his burdens, those mottoes

stamped on his name-tag:

conscience, ambition, and all

that caring.

He was content to lie down

with the family ghosts

in the slop of his cradle,

buffeted by the storm,

endlessly drifting.

Peace! Peace!

To be rocked by the Infinite!

As if it didn't matter

which way was home;

as if he didn't know

he loved the earth so much

he wanted to stay forever."

 

- The Long Boat (Stanley Kunitz)

 

For Neil.

________________________________

 

Please consider voting for my image in The International Guide For

Freedom's photo competition. Choose the "EXTRA" group, scroll down

to the bottom, put a check in the lower box, and click "Submit Vote."

The prize money would help considerably with debts, medical bills,

and home repairs. Thank you.

 

[+]

 

As a way of returning the extraordinary generosity and support you

have all shown me in this great community, whenever I upload a new

pic or series of shots this year, I'll provide a link to another flickr

photog whose work, personality, or spirit I feel you should discover.

 

Visit and introduce yourself. Make a friend. Share the love.

 

Open your eyes to embleton today.

Done