when you find the shore

I wrapped around you like a lifering,
kept you from sinking to the bottom of the sea.
Don’t tell me I’ve forgotten how to tread my feet,
I drank the ocean just to set you free -

I saw you little, I knew you old,
I saw you buckle, I watched you fold. 
It is either you or me and off I go,
you still look good from so far below –

don’t forget the arms that knew you,
fast asleep, these last two years.
I sang you prayers and held you close, 
I begged to stay till my throat went hoarse –

can you take the heavy lifting from here?
The moon is out, I ask, but I know –
we’ll write our songs just to wipe them clear,
neck on fire, soft ear, so low –

I see you little, I know you old,
the sea is salty and your mouth is cold.
I’ll take the east, you take the west,
look for me rising when you find the shore -