Student Publishing Program ::

Alexander Gaskell

Release

The soft, black mud releases
the cold, steel fluke
the anchor rises up towards
the harbor’s shining roof.

Upon the water’s surface
the wind begins to rise,
rising with the sun,
rising with the tide.

A weary porthole peers
towards the blinding light
the crew’s already risen
well rested from the night.

A sharp luff of the mainsail
reveals a steady breeze
the scarlet pennant whips about
above the high crosstrees.

The final link is pulled,
the anchor comes up free
a sudden gust propels the boat
out of the island’s lee.

“Put five up!” shouts the captain,
the topsail’s sheeted home,
to drive the bows through soaring crests
and make the ocean foam.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2010 EDITION]