Seawall (or, Equanimity)

The cairn was built in haste,

and it began to crumble.

Scattered stones were raided

for barroom backsplashes,

nature center souvenirs,

and wells for myopic Anguilliformes.

The stonemason arrived

fifteen minutes late,

but just in time.

I sensed his Hadrianic vision

and dismissed the tradesmen  

without explanation.

Guided by an invisible hand,

He rested each rock

like a paper boat upon the water

and there sprung up a seawall,

never to be toppled

by ram’s horn, or ripple.

23 June – 27 November

On the seawall at Bay St. Louis