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Clearing

by Jim Moore

It has taken this long--a gap in the sky
That shows us all is not gray,
A set of showery sails setting course for a salty sea.

There's a foul weather captain up there somewhere,
Pointing back at us with a finger of light
And turning the wheel homeward,
Pulling behind him that yellow slicker hue--—
The deepening swell of blue
That washes over us in his wake.

08/21/2008

Posted on 08/21/2008
Copyright © 2025 Jim Moore

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by George Hoerner on 08/21/08 at 09:59 PM

This certainly grabs one who sailed before and the words capture it well.

Posted by Shirin Swift on 08/22/08 at 12:06 AM

Excellent!

Posted by JD Clay on 08/22/08 at 02:19 AM

I love the symbolism you've incorporated into this poem, Jim , especially the last line. I have spray in my face and my lips are chapped. I also like the title fot its subtle ambiguity. Good stuff!

Posted by Mary Frances Spencer on 08/22/08 at 03:59 PM

Yes....let's follow that finger of light...could it be...hope???!!! MFS

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 08/23/08 at 12:58 AM

That last stanza is magic with its "finger of light" and "pulling behind him that yellow slicker hue" - and, of course, the last two lines evoke several meanings. Nice job.

Posted by Sandy M. Humphrey on 08/24/08 at 12:37 AM

Lovely imagery and succinctly swift phrasing. Set sail. smh

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 08/24/08 at 07:14 PM

This is a fine spiritual poem Jim with relevance for all us weary sailors.

Posted by Charlie Morgan on 08/25/08 at 01:01 PM

...jim, i like the stylistics on top of the lilting alliteration...and like chris says such a sailor's need[to be guided by some North Star]...tip o' the tam.

Posted by Linda Fuller on 12/24/10 at 02:09 AM

This is lovely - a timely POTD for Southern California weather today...

Posted by Vikki Owens on 12/24/10 at 02:17 AM

i love this. especially the word slicker and that whole line in general.

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