The Steerage of my Course
by jacob erin-cilberto

tried to convince myself I was okay
but a breeze blew in from the bay

haunting voices erupted
reminding me of you

and other you’s
who have departed my shores

those who helped me man
my little launch

the crew who helped steer my course
my mates

they’ve become voices in my mind
breezes moving tides against my heart

and I, the captain
have dropped anchor of age

living with a compass of loss
a map of gentle souls

and a vessel
that won’t sail

against a breeze that blew in from the bay.