Pause.

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

Lucille Clifton. “Blessing the Boats.”

When the storm of life is raging
Stand by me
When the storm of life is raging
Stand by me
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou who rulest wind and water
Stand by me

Charles Albert Tindley. From “Stand by Me,” the African American Spiritual.