Nautical Disaster

I had this dream where I relished the fray

and the screaming filled my head all day.

It was as though I'd been spit here,

settled in, into the pocket

of a lighthouse on some rocky socket

off the coast of france, dear.

One afternoon four thousand men died in the water here,

And five hundred more were thrashing madly

as parasites might in your blood.

Now I was in a lifeboat designed for ten and ten only.

Anything that systematic would get you hated.

It's not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated, death

the selection was quick, the crew was picked

in order and those left in the water

got kicked off our pant leg

and we headed for home.

Then the dream ends

when the phone rings,

"You doing all right?"

He said, "It's out there most days and nights

but only a fool would complain."

Anyway, Susan, if you like

Our conversation is as faint a sound in my memory

as those fingernails scratching on my hull.