How to Sail a House

First, secure your ship’s rabbit, or cat,
black and white or stripy sailor suit tabby
will do for a good journey

and hang a handsome sail curtain
of colour struck bedsheets and covers
on wash day, to be reefed in some

windows - if the main and headsail
material is uncertain to take the breeze –
but let fly full sturdy spinnaker,

red or yellow cottons to be seen for miles,
in the big bay at the front and finally fling
open all your windows to the force 6, feel

your hair blown back and tangle
with the salt wind, set your heart to adventure,
point your compass out west, set your cap

to a jaunty salute and simply put to sea in your house.