The Captain's Dilemma
He could sidle up to the pier
unmissable rusting hulk
slowly slowly docking.
He could stand off in deep water
make himself known
boiler room venting its last
steam as signal.
Could send from his craft
a launch under cover of night
an imperative mission
success dependent on reception.
And you thought
he might make the effort
to pick up the phone
or tap lightly at your door.