with the highest tidal range on earth
We sat at low tide on a rock by the shore
and watched as in minutes
the sea water rose to cover
the sand bar where we had just stood.
How quickly what was stable
was overcome by current.
Not a thing we could do to stop it.
Our only job: marvel. And move to higher ground.
How many times have I watched an unstoppable
tide as it rises in another person, in myself,
in my country, and still wanted to believe
I could stop it? What must I learn of surrender?
And is it not sometimes right to try to stave
what’s coming, even when it seems certain I will fail?