Daddy’s Home

Sails full of mystery
water dimpled with fun
a faraway horizon
fog-hazed and hidden.

Hull strakes bow to stern
laughter long left behind
life forever deadened
rigid military precision

Stern as gray gunwales
towering mainsail masts
cast above all else
forbearing and forbidden

Cold waves tickle toes
frozen in the sand
how can I await his favor
forever unbidden