Uncaging Oceans (or, Waiting on a Poem)

Let it steal your breathLet it stir your soulLet it sweep in sweet surpriseLike oceans that rollThrough shorelines of skinWhere no one can seeGlimmers glance and dance and spinInto poetry Let it lilt and waftSoft as falling snowLet it be a fist-a-cuffHold it, let it goLet it beg and broodStubborn as can beUntil it beckons thought-bloodInto poetry Let it lure and winkLet it grip despairWith a tender twist of ink/thinkTransform it to prayerLet it take the leadDo not rush its seaUntil caged oceans are freedInto poetry Let it wash the roomWith a brush of sighsDarling, none can haste the bloomTill the bud compliesTill whispers withheld Yield their mysteryAnd the murmur of waves meldInto poetry Let it test the vestOf faith's fortitudeLet it storm the mortal breastWild and unsubduedLet it crash and burnSuffer patientlySometimes dust and ash will turnInto poetry Let it scale the skyDangle from the moonTremble like a butterflyFreed from its cocoonLet it vex the vimOf hope, poised to beA shimmer of stars that brimInto poetry Let it move the earthThough nobody hearsA poem is its own worthWithout thunderous cheers  Fan to flame its sparkGentle as can be Until it bursts through darkInto poetry © Janet Martin