When he came home from the ocean
I would lay him down
One by one uncurl his fingers
Calloused, cold and brown

I would take his day inside me
Sparks of violent clanging steel
Shouts of workmen in the shipyard
Watch the seabirds reel

Salt of sea and salt of body
Grease upon his head
Rocking of the ships at anchor
There inside the bed

When he came home from the ocean
Tired and dirty, half undressed
I would take his day inside me
That was when I loved him best

When he came home from the ocean
Tired and dirty, half undressed
I would take his day inside me
That was when I loved him best