cruise ships

at night, out at sea,
on the black roll
of waves, you can
see in the distance
the curved line of
ships on route to
ports in staggered
times. half lighted
beneath a sheet of
stars carrying passengers
near sleep, or on
board with drink and
food, too old to be
dancing the way they
do, forgetting who
they are, or want
to be. all they know
is the moment they
are in, away from
wherever they came
from. sailing, sailing
until the bill comes due.