QUOTE : may the tide<br />that is entering even now<br />the lip of our understanding<br />carry you out<br />beyond the face of fear<br />may you kiss<br />the wind then turn from it<br />certain that it will<br />love your back may you<br />open your eyes to water<br />water waving forever<br />and may you in your innocence<br />sail through this to that<br /><br />— Lucille Clifton, “blessing the boats,” <i>Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems, 1988-2000</i>. (BOA Editions Ltd. April 1, 2000)