This Island

_fair season too brief and current too swift
that happen on these shores
the tern fails to light upon perch
in haste, off to another
despite no respite for its weary wings
but the gale will not have him here

although, from a distance, the land jutting up
from liquid desert appears sure oasis
to the long-suffering in need of solace
closer approach shows the jagged rock precipice
where angry torrent and rugged keep
wage everlasting war

their fierce savagery and ardent strife
would portend no tenable harbor for
any erstwhile Argonaut

it is said inland has treasure abundant
if you land safely upon shore,
it is yours for the taking
riches the likes of which your heart
has yearned
that will forever keep you

alas all who approach have
feared the surf's fury and hastened
away at its first frenzied vortex

confounded by volatile eddies, 
resolve dispels
with the seething foam
and soon they're off
to safer claims

many a wayfarer's tale recounts
passing in the night
a distant lonesome howl
emanates from inland
as though
desperate for release
the very might
that expels the seeker
imprisons the sought

_Written by Scott Schoffstall
© July 10, 2011
all rights reserved
http://www.poeticsojourn.com/the-sojourner.html