My Boat

I stand on the pier alone, but for my ghosts.
The fog creeps upon my fettered feet.
I am shackled to my past.
I await passage into my future.

At the water’s edge my reflection goes ahead.
I am assured we will reunite when I am again whole.
Whispering ghosts call me back to the shore.
A corner I have yet to turn beckons in the sea.

With no luggage I await my passage.
Then, a great boat appears on the horizon.
With golden cherubs carved into the wood.
White sails like the teeth of a smiling star.

As if by some force of fate it speeds towards me.
The wind smiles upon it always.
I know this boat will always move forward.
I step cautiously, and with each step pain springs forth.

As I continue the pain grows less, and less.
Little black ghosts cling to my shoes.
They wail as I brush them onto the solid wood.
The gangplank lowers with confetti and whimsical music.

I board with an expectant heart.
Like one who has been hurt I cringe at my welcome.
I flinch at the happy visages that approach.
But slowly, like syrup, my heart is filled with perception.

As it begins to spill over I know I am free.
I turn back to the shore to see statues.
Everybody I have been stand as stone sentinels.
They will guard me from ever returning to who I was.

A silver cat smiles at me gaily and beckons me.
I approach with hope, and tears of joy.
It tickles my ear as it softly whispers to me.
“Welcome to the fastest voyage to heaven.”

I smile, and nod knowing I am coming home.
But, before I can leave I want all my loved ones to come.
The angel at the helm shakes her head sadly.
I can only send letters of my journey.

I understand that nobody will ever be on this ship, but me.
It is made from my will and my mind.
I can accept this, for if I can sail the seas so can all.
I take the hand of my brother’s ghost and he smiles lovingly back.

I depart now from this place.
My demons line the shore screaming hatred.
I can’t hear them over the revelry that surrounds me.
The one legged lamp, and the green umbrella sit at my sides.

This is an incredible journey I have embarked upon.
May the winds be fair, and may the seas be kind.
Even through the storms I know I am only moving on.
At the end I will know the shining gates, so says the silver cat.

I believe him.