Your roses will be fine in this garden
the sea can’t trouble these walls
and the beds, covered with dirt
will paper the imperfections.
Watch the sunset
smother the ocean
and keep the water warm
for as long as you need to bathe.
So, set your paper sails at full mast
cast off from the muddy bank
catch the last vestige of summer
then smile as they sink.
Cast your line
into the deepest waters
where the fish won’t bite
but the water will stay calm.
Paddle in the shallows
until the sand creases,
presses the prayer down
for the earth to accept.