In their hearts they prepare dreams, hopes and a prayer,

For safe passage across roiling waters that promise nothing but loss and despair.

And yet, with trust in reaching a just world and solid ground,

They venture into unknown waters for a place they hope to call home.

For some the journey is rewarding, bringing them to their destination according,

But for most the blue is unkind with many ill fortunes following them through.

Into her deepest depths she pulls these dreams, these bodies, these lingering breaths,

Relinquishing their control and swallowing them whole.

But in this endless sleep many will never weep again,

Their bind to this unkind world will be broken and they will find their peace.

Waters will rise and carry their thoughts and wise teachings,

And we will remember their bravery for seeking higher ground in a place where freedom might be found.

In books of history their lives will be shrouded in mystery,

A boat of faces on a vessel that failed to stay afloat.

A final passage marked in ink leaves the story of this missing link,

In simple ode, a final goodbye, to remember the ones asleep up high:

The flood flowed cold with inky blood and yet the wet sky blinked with stars in deep slumber.