Widow's Watch

I watched from on deck
as we sailed round the cape.
I saw her between the swell,
white gown flapping
viciously in the wind,
raven hair, stark
as night's shadow at noon.
I drew the spyglass,
aimed it clumsily,
then monstrous waves
concealed her from my gaze.
Another glimpse --
face, high-cheeked,
pale as the dress spread
wet upon her legs.
Knee deep in broken waves,
black onyx flecks for eyes,
lips, thinly creased.
About her, flowers
churned to flotsam,
stems, leaves, petals,
torn free, dulled and slipping
beneath the gray.
She raised one furled bud
atop a quivering stem
and with closed eyes
gave the flower to the sea.

Scott Speck
1/11/99