Shore scout

I like one boat better than another

for the way it waits

While the captain is at home with

napkin round his chin it Practices pivoting in the harbor wind

Or tries the anchor without meaning

much except to pass the time and Steady for the tide

I want to run up his steps and tell

the captain it's bursting for a Sail

But he would send me quick enough to

look for shells or count how Many gulls are perching on his roof

I will like best the craft that shows

its grace to me without having to Take half an ocean for a stage.