Castaway

did you wander
on the fringes
of that distant shore
staring beyond
the immovable horizon
as waves lapped
against naked feet
hoping and praying
for the rescue
that never came

did you wander
on the fringes
of that distant shore
and see your deliverance
passing on the horizon
unmindful that you,
overcome with new hope,
stood with hands waving,
shouting and screaming
until you were hoarse

did you wander
on the fringes
of that distant shore
through thirsty days
and hungry nights
until, submissively,
you lay down to die,
alone and lonely,
on the fringes
of that distant shore

In memory of Amelia Earhart who disappeared during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937.  Amelia disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island on 2 July 1937.  Now, in 2010, researchers have found some bone fragments on the uninhabited island of Nikumaroro that they think may be Amelia’s remains. Previously a zipper and makeup compact dating back to the 1930’s were found on the island.