Verse 1
The first plank at the end, broke off years ago
It ached and moaned when I stepped, had lost its reddish glow
It fell down off the pier, a hanging corner was all it left
No one was around, the bay welcomed it to rest
I was young, it seemed easy then, though I was saddened that it sank
I surrendered to the absence of that first missing plank

Verse 2
200 seasons passed, a second plank fell next
It lasted long as it could, at its age it had done its best
Breakwater saw it fall, it tossed then turn away the beach
Rode gently on the waves, toward the sun and to its peace
Emptiness filled my heart, I felt its grip as it would yank
Then I saw the pier stand strong despite it missing its missing planks

Bridge
Five planks of heart pine from a tree 90 feet high
Like a branch of a family, a side arm of the pier
Watching flying clouds - paint on the canvas of the sky
My legs swing off the end, water lapping near

Verse 3
A storm broke over the bay, wild water chopped and thrust
The third plank split apart, just last year, torn from its truss
Thunder raged for hours, lightning struck, burned down a tree
Tempest changed to calm, the plank floated out to sea
Now the dock felt unbalanced, few planks left, more spaces blank
I wrestled with the absence of all three missing planks

Verse 4
My mind holds to those planks, in my dreams they play a part
Though they may break and fall, they are the walls of my heart
There’s a time I may not - hear the waves murmur like a crowd
Or remember canvas sky being painted by flying clouds
I can still enjoy the enjoy the sun , I hear the waves whisper from afar
Though I don’t see those missing plan ks, the water knows just where they are.