Against Salt Waves

 
Like Ulysses when the surging
from the hostile cliffs rebounding
on the jagged rocks returning,
like him with his fingers clinging,
to the black rock, straining, clinging,
waiting for the wave to crush him
fearing other rocks behind him
holding with his fingers
till the skin was torn and raw,
like Ulysses’ hands in danger
tearing half the skin upon them
till the gentler current carried
tired swimmer toward peaceful shore,
like Ulysses, love is holding,
holding till life offers more.
 
                                                                        (1960s) 

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