Ships hum their old forgiveness
the gulls recite their psalms;
the nets drip silver memories
the tide reclaims their calm
A widow ties her kerchief
her eyes a northern blue;
she waves to all the sailors
the sea has taken too
The church bell counts the distance
each echo worn but true;
the island sings of staying
though loss keeps passing through
By dusk the harbor whispers
its faith a steady chord—
to live beside the ocean
is trusting in the Lord