Always Find a Safe Habour

By Gerry Stefanson

Gerry is a member of the Icelandic Roots writing team. He has kindly shared some of his poetry published in his book Passages ~ Series, which Spillwords Press, NY previously published.

As a tribute to Seaman's Day in Iceland celebrated annually on the first Sunday in June, we offer one of the many poems Gerry has written. You can learn more about this day by reading an earlier posted article, Festival of the Sea – Sjómannadagurinn.

Always Find a Safe Harbour

Photo Credit: Kumiko Hawkes – Shizen Photography

Blood pressure raises

as destination harbour

falls into view.

a Viking spotting – new shore,

or a day sailors/fisherman’s return,

not all do.

Seas rarely give up the dead.

Feet now on land, affirmation of completion of task,

or forgotten or lost.

Water does not support headstones well.

burial at sea, often lacks attendance

of grievers though.

Voyages all start,

so they all end.

we are aware of the beginnings,

final landing, a coin toss for many.

Passages on sea, in life or in living.

we set charts, cast dreams and drop unexpected anchors.

reefs, rocks, pirates, hurricanes our personal Bermuda triangles.

take on or hire on, partners and crews,

finagles family and friends, lovers and loss.

true memories, play part of the final cost,

till we adventure again.

Gerry Stefanson

May 2022 Author of the Month at Spillwords Press

Born and raised on the prairies of Manitoba Canada, along the Red River and just south of Lake Winnipeg. Then Alberta and ten years in the Rockies, just above Montana. The last decade in the Canadian Gulf Islands. People, ideas and stories set the stage of my poetry and writing. Music and art fill my days and verse fills my head. I feel the fortunate one and share this world with my life partner.

Kumiko Hawkes

Kumiko is a wildlife and landscape photographer on Gabriola Island, BC, Canada. Her photography business name is Shizen Photography. Shizen means nature or natural in Japanese. Kumiko can often be spotted on the shores of Gabriola in search of nature.

Check out her Instagram page or her website for more of her work.