Faith

From tar-black waters I draw in my net:
Tonight the sea has chosen not to love;
Oh how it has angered since I first set
Out, then ’twas a reflection of heaven above.
Now boat and I are battered by wild waves,
And I know not if I shall homeward return;
I know not if lives like mine God saves,
And it frightens me. I frown, O falsehood, I mourn -
And wonder whether or not he will reach out his arm,
And steer me to, or from, a watery grave.
Dear God, grant it be so that I come to no harm,
Oh say this life was not just for death gave.
And if not, if this be my time, then I go unafraid,
For I have lived well and loved much:
Moreso, I have learnt that a man such as thou made,
If he has faith, has enough.

Declan O’Reilly