A Bell by the Sea

The sound of gentle clanging
from the bell on the water
kept me safe by the sea
from when I could first remember
Its slow rocking was like a cradle

In my house overlooking
the bell below keeping watch
I stood at my window
to share in its lonely vigil
and understand its solemn song

The hours rolled by like great swells
from the ocean. With a chime
each ring marked the passing
of another wave of time
cast upon this rocky harbor shore

Now in a moment of change
its clatter over the years
has found myself swimming
out toward the bell again to hear
the secrets of its life at sea

From forth each its stabile tones
resonates a note within
hoping its somber tale
will be the last thing I remember
before surrendering to the tide