Over the years I’ve come to note
that life is strangely like a boat
whose captainship we first received
upon that breath that we first breathed.

All boats at first appear the same,
all fit with starboard, stern, and name,
a hull to keep the water out,
a crew to man it, firm and stout.

But life does not the same boat give,
a fact that you will oft relive
while sailing out upon your sea
to manifest your destiny.

Some go by dinghy, some by yacht,
neither content in what they’ve got,
more focused on the boat besides
than what the new horizon hides.

While others simply lift their sails
a slave to where the wind compels
who find their vessel always lost
within the ocean never crossed.

Another quits their captainship
and hopes that while upon their trip
another ship will guide their way
in where they go, they have no say.

A fraction never even board
nor move their boat from where it’s stored,
as fearfully they watch the sea
forgetting where ships ought to be.

Most leave strong from out the docks,
though some will come upon the rocks
and crash, to blame their ship and crew
for all the things they’d wished they’d knew.

But I hold dear the ones who go
to the horizon, even though
they fear the sea, and curse the tide,
but still they know they must decide
on where their ship must finally land
(regardless of the voyage planned)
so when they hear their final bell
they can stand proud, for they did well.

And now you, Captain. What’s your say?
Where do you sail your boat this day?
Are you at port, or lost at sea,
or where you think your boat should be?