Flotsam on a Winter Tide


Round again on the full tide, churning
close to the quiet foreshore, then
caught by the undertow and turning
round again—

slowing now: as far-travelled men,
turning back with regret or yearning,
drift for a while near a journey's end.

Knowing all and beyond all knowing,
Nature speaks in the tide’s turn, when
all that drifts is gathered, going
round again.