Blessing the Boats

Lucille Clifton • 1936-2010

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

Published in Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems, 1988-2000 (2000)