Hove To, Dreamboat (Poetry)

How often must we pass like busy ships
which signal — flash a quick, all-knowing glance —
the message clear while restless anchors twitch,
but then sail on, leave such affairs to chance ?
I dream of ways to plot a closer course —
a scene where we quite literally collide —
a playful nudge with just sufficient force
to stop you in your tracks and so decide
it’s now or never — time to raise the game —
to shoot those rapids, get your paddle wet —
this balmy cruise-by tack feels way too tame
when tides run high with promise still unmet.
You’ve raised my expectations and my hopes —
But is it bluff — or do you know the ropes?