Adolescence

By Andrew R. Duckworth

The man who has experienced shipwreck shudders even at a calm sea.”

Ovid

Storms are on the horizon, captain!
We must turn back before the rough waters!

There were halls of pain I walked,
Before the waves crashed in.
I was a fragile vase on a tottering pedestal-
Tipping and tipping, the waters dripping,
My decks drenched in salt water
Pouring from my eyes.

Lightning and dark skies!
We must turn back!

Oh, but we’re way too far from shore,
That was weeks ago.
The vase has left the pedestal
And, when it hits-
When it hits, this ship will break-
Break into a million parts.
Find the closest plank to hold.

If I had kept a log,
I could tell you about every storm,
Every whirlpool, every wave.
I can’t explain how I survived
But by some invisible hand.