In order to view this poem with the line breaks the author intended, we suggest reading it on a computer screen or in landscape orientation on your phone or tablet.

Whiskey on the Block Island Ferry

As the ferry pulled from the pier, a Portuguese waterdog

crossed the aisle from his owner’s side and introduced

his warm, moist muzzle against my knee.


Whiskey is a therapy dog, his owner said,

People pet him for hours and he still wants more.


His loose brown fur was softer than fine

smooth whiskey. As we crossed the channel,

he gazed at me with gold-flecked

brown eyes that saw my sea


sickness as we rocked toge-

ther, my hand strok-

ing his back, roc-

king to the island.


The solace of touch calmed my queasiness.


We pulled into port with a light spring breeze

that welcomed me into the local tavern

for the taste of another whiskey.

—
Douglas Cooper lives in the mountains north of Asheville, NC, with his wife and three pets. When not writing, he enjoys gardening, hiking, and music. He has a BA in English from the University of West Florida, and he attended many workshops with poet Francis Quinn. His work has appeared or will appear in Crosswinds Poetry Journal, The RavensPerch, The Bluebird Word, and Book of Matches.

Know anyone who might appreciate reading Douglas’ poem?
Why not share the link to this page?

Click here to return to the Table of Contents.