Pirate Child
Small wonder
you were born for this:
We sailed out at first light and
you smiled for the sea
crowed to the gull and grabbed
wheel, compass, lines;
ransacked a ship
in small wondering hands.
Head up, mouth open wide and
the wind kissed your tongue,
nuzzled your hair, brushed fresh
marvel on your face;
already heeling
over treacherous love.
But I hold you still, bunched in
doting and fleece, still
long ropes we must learn
before your anchor
weighs lithely from here -
uncharted swell we’ll prowl
reeling in bounties
of copious wonder
