Dressing for the weather

They dragged him from the water
without a coat.
'Proof,' the newspaper said
'the Captain gave
a gallant bid for his life'

discarded anything
that might weigh him down,
work against him
in the waves.

You think how cold
he must have felt

like slipping along wet rocks
and landing in the river

friends leading you home (jeans
stiffening as you walk)
to your mother, angry

because you shouldn't have been
anywhere near the water,
especially this time of year
with heavy coats to drag you under

but she brings you soup
checks for a fever
kisses the top of your head

because you are safe.

A grappling hook
searched the bottom, gloveless hands
gripped the handle
dropped into icy waters

snow falls around them
as the Captain's body is lifted into
the arms of the search party.