The Real Work

           [Today with Zach & Dan rowing by Alcatraz

                                    and around Angel Island]

sea-lions and birds,

sun through fog

flaps up and lolling,

looks you dead in the eye.

sun haze;

a long tanker riding light and high.

sharp wave choppy line—

interface tide-flows—

seagulls sit on the meeting

eating;

we slide by white-stained cliffs.

the real work.

washing and sighing,

sliding by.

                           Gary Snyder