Safe Anchorage

Safe Anchorage

The anchor falls away beneath the drapery of sea
to a hidden place where life in all its fullness teems
and holds a steady vessel through the night.
Schools of silver fish, small, multitudinous, part to pass unheard around the hull
while tethered kelps, in shades of darkest topaz, red carnelian, jasper green,
sway to the music of the currents.
Crabs make their own sweet sideways journeys along a bed spread with buried riches:
corals, paua, pearl oysters, abalone, beauties of the deep.
Octopus contortionists defy the laws of space to make silent retreats
while passing whales rehearse a bass glissando song.

And none of this is seen from up above.
A weary crew are resting, finding peace in sleep.
They are kept from drifting,
held by bedrock, fathomed-firm.
The deep and heavenly anchorage is secure.

Hebrews 7: 19-20