Whisper of afternoon

  Before time grows up and leaves the house,

  spare me a moment for companionable quiet,

  the warmth of your hand in mine

  the warmth of afternoon sunlight

  streaming through the window,

  warming the carpet,

  bathing the whole house in sweet slumber.

  All hands

  All hands on deck.

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  Never know when the tide may strike,

  but I’m off with you.

  Don’t wait for the fish to leap like frogs

  into the nets till they burst with plenty.

  The islands are calling,

  all two thousand,

  and no man’s an island—I need you.

  Shelve the boat and scuba dive

  into the coral mazes,

  sign to the fish,

  learning the art of patience

  from sea turtles.

  Take me adventuring,

  while the age is young and the time is long.