At This Distance

by Gary Margolis

Whatever they’re doing on board, it’s left
for us to believe.
The shadows, the lights don’t give anything
away.

At this distance. We might want to think
we ‘re more like them.
Than meets our eyes. From over here.
Given half the chance, we’d wear

our evening wear.
Dine at the Captain’s table.
Feeling a touch uncomfortable.
Telling stories of our made-up lies.

Voyages. Somewhere beyond us.
Asked. We’d take a turn. On watch.
Looking out. Listening. Remembering
what it was one of us thought

they saw. That floating ghost
of a ship. Passing. Making passengers
of the wake we were.
We could have been.

If we could afford it. Above
decks. And not who we are.
Where we live. In love’s booked
dark and lovely steerage.