A poem recited by Rick at the final session

blessing the boats (at St. Mary’s)
by Lucille Clifton
Quilting: Poems 1987-1990

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

A wonderful thought at our sendoff, and, for me, an introduction to a poet.