The ebbed residue

A prisoner, a mendicant-
What deem, or redeem?
Of visions or none,
What see or seem?


A life strung with dewdrops,
What shells are washed ashore?
Through Here to the Finale-
What's less, what's more?


A toast to the merchant's love,
Alike to the innkeeper's gain;
Of tides that usher some joy,
And the ebbed residue of pain.