Next in the Pinocchio series of poems.

Catching up with Geppetto:

In the roaring darkness, caught

in the boat’s rolling movement,

old Geppetto ignores his son’s greeting –

pits his voice against the sea, calls

the Creator of the Leviathan to help.

The son has no time to listen

to the old man’s pleas – believes

in the actions of desired flesh

not in the whims of fairies or forces

beyond his immediate control.

It shocks them both with delight

when the ocean answers -

or the whale does - and they

find themselves tossed

into the light of day.

The old man gives thanks

to his beliefs.

The son rows the boat

towards the distant shore,

amazed at life’s adventures.