Andrew Layden

Once I drifted,
Untethered, untouched
But for the lapping sea
Below. I washed
In waves
Past shores of soft silt
While the stars whirled
In distant circuits
Overhead. Bound for beauties
Always beyond

The horizon, I sated myself
On the freedom
Of the current, content
In the sting of salt
And the briny embrace. At the will
Of wind and water,
I strayed.

I strained
For years, fed on half-
Formed hopes
And fever dreams
Of f