certain that it will love your back

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

(at St. Mary's)

[Lucille Clifton, 'blessing the boats', from Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988-2000]