Clipper

by Michael Dylan Welch and Deborah P Kolodji

First published in Mariposa #47, Autumn–Winter 2022, page 25. Originally written via Zoom on 2 April 2022.

harbor waves

a tall ship

heaves into view Michael

clouds billow

above the mainmast Debbie

spitting rain

the figurehead’s

raised trident Michael

wind gust

more hands on deck

pulling lines Debbie

a seagull wheels

from port to starboard Michael

full-blown squall

the anchor drops

just in time Debbie