January Eyes

“And the sea shall grant all men new hope, as sleep brings dreams of home.
     - Christopher Columbus, 1451 – 1506”

We were headed for a mooring

in the damp and heavy mist

of a cold and dreary morning

by the chill of winter, kissed....

when the final act of landing

brought a sadness to my face

and a Sailor’s understanding

that the years cannot erase.

I have only to remember

for the feeling to arise

in the bones of my December,

in my January eyes.

I'd depart again tomorrow

on the voyages of youth

but, as age is kin to sorrow,

I must face the bitter truth—

I am headed for a mooring

in the damp and heavy mist

of a cold and dreary morning--

---by the chill of winter, kissed.

~ Dean Neighbors ~