'paper boats'

i released paper boats 
pilgrimed by finite hopes
fleetingly lightweight
towards unexplored waters;
hoping to see it reach your side
when i do. (if i do) 

you grabbed a handful of pebbles 
and angled them towards the water,
pelleting with malicious intent; 
hesitance evidently never crossed.
the pebbles in chase;
skip, skip, lickety-split.

i could only clasp my hands and pray
that you’d consider what i’ve brought
before letting buoyancy claim its prey. 
“don’t get caught.”
“don’t get caught.”
“don’t get caught.”