Friend Boat, Rhythm Built

Two boats collide.
Both are empty.
Can either ask
to collide again?

Or will the wind
and the waves
dignify the request
with characteristic indifference?

Prepare to be shorn
like a never-shod horse
from the steely back woods
put on a ship
hoof to nail
nail to board.

Pilgrims know the case:
there is no choice on a boat 
whether your hands hammered
or your prayers stammered
getting to Delos is a matter
of inanimate fate.