Sailing

The moment dawns when he’s setting off

On a journey he wants to make grand

But somewhere in the back of his mind

Lingers the longing for firm, solid land

He was pegged to be one who would boast,

But as he prepares to let go of the coast,

The vast ocean ahead of him lies,

The challenge, right before his eyes

The journey has begun, the ocean surrounds him,

A cauldron of calm, eternal rage

He feels his shrinking might, for there’s nothing in sight

By which his fears might be assuaged

The novice eventually experiences the strength of the assault

His bruises hurt further by the coarse sea salt

In the midst of it, he realizes with a shudder

That he is sailing without a rudder

Gales and waves toss him around

He has to withstand the attack

There’s nary a helpful sight or sound

And once begun, there’s no going back

His quest for discovery throws up visions wry

As sunrises and sunsets go passing by

He’s surrounded by a sea of hesitation and deterrence

He knows he’s helpless before the force

He wishes to take refuge behind closed doors

Not wanting to be controlled by the crushing currents

He wishes for something to ignite

The wick that will shed some light

And stop hope from being further thinned

Should he stick to his (apparent?) right

To try and put up a fight

Or just be gone with the wind?