Tender

2017
Summer
I am tendering
From island port to
Ship in north Norway
The sea is rough and
The ride rougher than
Any I’ve experienced
Thrown all over as I
Hold on to my seat
I notice a lady 70
Alone having a
Tough time so
I move to her
Bench sit by
Her my arm
Around her
Shoulders
To steady
Her until
We get
Back
To the
Ship then
Scramble onto
The gangway to
The ship she turns
To me and says loud
Enough for all to hear
Well, I suppose you’re
Not going to call me?
I stammer I do not
Even know her
Name which
She gives
Me but
Only
As a joke.
At least I think
She was joking.