Gilded Cliffs of Sanctuary

The sun gilded cliffs
a land mile beyond shore
are a sanctuary beckoning
for one ragged and worn

my boat was seaworthy
when I launched her this morning
the clouds darkened and the wind 
freshened to a gale without  warning

a long day tacking close hauled
into hard choppy seas
water coming aboard
with the spray and thru seams

hours spent endlessly bailing
the anchor never would hold
to make way back to harbour
far more reckless than bold

the sun is close now to setting
shining under the clouds
but the wind will not  lessen
the waves heavy and loud

night is bringing her blackest
with an incoming tide
and the rocky shore leeward
offers nowhere to hide

better sailors I've known
who've weathered worse storms
that's the one hope that's offered
to give strength till the morn