Safe Harbor

by Snipe

The Island wakes before dawn
the precession advances
silently
carrying flowers and candles

A skybax view-
Flickering streams
pouring out of every
town and village
reversing the journey
that brought them here

The dolphinbacks
return to the sea
on this day of thanksgiving
to stand
at the shore
of their deliverance

Tears of loss
and thanks
weave with silent prayer

Carved wooden dolphins
carrying candles on their backs
are released to the waves
to light
future dolphinbacks
way home.