home again

across the river the bright lights of a hotel
the ferry moving smoothly down the stream
neither of them quite disguise the rotten smell
which reminds us vividly that this is no dream
we've come a long way and soon must return
for just a few moments we pause and think
no evils done or thought no bridges to burn
enough this evening just to eat and drink
we're by the sea although it's not in view
the terns and frigatebirds can tell us that
each journey's taken us to the great water true
and we've looked down on it smooth and flat
the calm before the winter gives us choice
only to look or joyful at last to give voice