IMPROVISATION# 232
OFF PLUM ISLAND

Portuguese fishers
   with their cache
are off Plum Island
full salmon  squid and sole
hid in a shadow of baskets
under wishes
    for  a strong sun
after the storm
 watching trees frozen with snow
  with some of the crew
  laughing and
  singing  as if spellbound
  by love
or the love of the sea
pulling out in front
of  me in my orange kayak
 with a welcome mat  for rowers
 thinking of playing darts
   or  in acting parts
 of the poet
   Pessoa,
or landing
 at distant ports on sand
 or of playing cards
for a little money
    or at backgammon.