Islander

For the islander
The coastline stretches in a thin smile
And the water is cold
So green against the granite

But you're floating out
Your feathers white upon the water

Swim back to me now
Come back to the places that you know
And warm yourself awhile

For the islander
Sunlight pools upon the channel
And the furrows are bare
So black against the clouds

But you're diving down
Between the lines and sinkers

Swim back to me now
Climb the winding path up to the road
That leads you into town, and into the square
To gaze upon the stones that they laid there
And feel the iron heel pressed into your back -
Back to haunt the places that you know
And feel the sun awhile
Then back to the cold
Dive in off the rocks below the road