Just To Pull An Oar

Just To Pull An Oar

(for Clay)

Each day, we row.

We row until we can't

row anymore.

In life.

Until our bodies give out.

The oars are returned to the rack;

the boat is returned to the berth;

The hull is dried off for the last time.

The shoes are cracked at the seams,

separating from the foot boards,

the tracks are caked with salt

from the sweat of those

who put out everything,

just to pull an oar,

and get it through

that huge of body of water.

- June 2014