He whittles with October
steam circling his breath;
the cedar ribs remember
how rivers cancel death
His hands are maps of patience
his eyes a northern chart;
he teaches wood to listen
he teaches wind an art
We launch the boat at sunrise
its skin is light and law;
the lake receives our promise
and smooths away our flaw
By noon we own no engine
by dusk we own the glide—
some journeys don’t have finish
they simply learn the tide