Slow Swirl at the Edge of the Sea

Listen, love—the cliffs are tired

of restraining us, tired of the questions

we ask each other about time. But

we’ve forgotten our schedules tonight

we find the luxury in the silk pillow-

case, camisole, the petal wings of moths

fluttering at the window. We lie

together in a bed of beach music

above a small village of fishermen,

of ferries and pathways.

When they lower the boats, the sea

swallows hard and we slip beneath a blue

brushstroke not knowing who will stay under

and who will make it back to shore.

– Kelli Russell Agodon, Kingston

The Poets’ Corner features work from local poets who appear at the Poulsbohemian Poetry Readings, held on first Saturdays of the month at the Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, 19003 Front St., Poulsbo.