Dappled grey hides the green of the waves,

restless under the night screen.

A dawn awakes like the soil nearer to the line of horizon

cracked by the drifting summer lights.

A boat nearer to the horizon

lures the two trailing behind

with a vision of the sea calmer yet

than what they know

of the sea that will not let go

of the night that rocks them

on the dappled grey, clouded

with the season's uncertainty

of the weather and the moods of the sea. All they know is they must follow the one who has braved the waves

and is nearing the day far away,

a red signature on the dappled green.

Sushama Karnik.

Feb.19 2024. 6 45 AM