The Coward on the Seas

There was a time, I cannot say how long, when this—the vessel of my life

Rode deep in every trough, awash with every swell that came along.

The merest storm could wash aboard and soak my sails with salty brine,

The tempest,  oh, the high winds blown and tossing sea, ‘most every time

Could make a coward out of me, when once I sailed upon the seas

Of life.

I watched (behind the mast I stood) as others braved the fiercest gale

And fiercely envied stalwart souls who grinned into the face of hell,

And bid the demons, “ Come, you fiend!  Do what you may—I know your end…

You come for ‘naught against this soul –I laugh at your proud vanity! ”

 To serve with such tenacity the King that rules the seven seas – such is the stuff

Of fondest dreams.

Yet, I will dream!  I will not cease to take my stand behind the mast and

Watch the swells wash ‘ore the deck, and tempest shake the line held fast

upon the trembling beam.  For every storm that wastes me not upon the

littered sand will prove that I have stood the test of time, and move my heart

to trust.  Trust not the captain, nor the sea, but take my hope in destiny held

tightly in the weathered hand of He who rules the seas.