Lavnder Bay

• Jessica Croker, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2008

Rigging done. Time to embark. Morning sun fills the sail.
Sand seeps into my boots. Current launches us.

Abeam of Chinaman’s. A Southerly urges advance.
Gently sliding us through. The still morning sea.

Now comes the swell. Splashing the gunnels.
The wind throttles. Venture to the Heads.

Puffs dare our control. We lash back at the foe.
Sharp moves of the tiller. A ragged wash trails aft.

Wind shift, time to tack. Leap to starboard
Duck the boom, Mainsheet on hard.

The bow crashes down. Springs for another wave,
Careful. Must stand fast. Against the white caps.

Curve the top mark. Bear away homebound
Ease the mainsheet. Relieve the mast.

Finish mark looms, A race is won with
Adrenaline and power. Just me and my boat.