My boat, a dinghy with one sail
rocks when I step in, taking care
to aim for the middle.  My father

smoking a pipe, clutches her bow
pushes me off from the dock.
I sit aft like a princess alone in her castle.

Venturing out, I come about---ducking
the boom as it swings.  Lily pads scatter,
stepping stones to impending years.

A mournful loon wails like a train whistle
with vibrato.  I wish I could be that loon
free floating on feather bed from dawn to dusk.

Sliding in skillfully toward the dock
I toss the rope to my father
who pulls me in tight like a foot in a slipper.

As I jump ashore I get the best reward:
a crazy smile from Dad.