courage

There was a time when the summer took a small boat
and sailed us to an ancient Isle.
You said your sea was deeper
than my ocean
and I called your bluff.
The morning stood back, patiently
as we sang to an old sea-shanty; out of tune.
I told you I was brave.
You played a pipe.
I cried.
And the oak trees
all around
shared tales
we didn't know.
I swam, fearlessly,
as the browns and yellows
swirled towards the beach.
I wish you'd been less chicken
and waited for the autumn and its music.