Harbor Ghosts

Harbor ghosts from our pasts

in the back of our minds,

all the regrets and what if’s

from all those lost times.

Drifting in and out

like tides of the seas,

taxing our memories

some tears some glees.

What of my dad

who left in a rage,

torn from my life

like an old soiled page.

I came from him

from his very seed,

but lost way to soon

always a son in need.

Had he stayed around

and became my mentor,

our love could have grown

with him in the center.

But fate stepped in

and set us apart,

two lonely souls

each sad of heart.

Then there’s the brother

also departed too soon,

Missing from my life

Like a sky without moon.

But I forgave him his exit

he just had to go,

to find his own way

and a family to grow.

Then there was mom

so loving and giving,

from her I did come

and join the living.

She gave it her all

did what she could,

gave it her best

as any mother should.

A single mother

for too many years,

always missing her man

with the persistent tears.

Then there was a lady

without I wouldn’t be the same,

she was my first

and I can’t remember her name.

I was a naïve teen

first time away from home,

a very young sailor

feeling lost and alone.

Washing my clothes

In a cold Laundromat,

on liberty in San Diego

it was there I sat.

I can’t remember her words

or what she did say,

but within a short time

together we lay.

This lady was older

and was slow to teach,

guiding my hands

and where to reach.

I want to say it was Elaine

she was giving and tender,

she designed swimsuits

that I can remember.

But it ended so suddenly

When she gave a report,

she said she was married

her husband returning to port.

Harbor ghosts from our pasts

in the back of our minds,

all the regrets and what if’s

from all those lost times.

Gary R. Cramer

July 24, 2014