The Ship

[Note: I wrote this as a wedding present, years ago, for my niece Donna when she was getting married to Dennis and I was a poor, unemployed 'hippy' (it was cheaper than a traditional 'present'.) I often wonder if she kept it...]

A ship...
A magic ship with silver sails
and billowing banners sparkling
in the noon day sun

Calmly majestic
anchored in quiet cove;
Rocking to a secret rhythm.
Waiting... Waiting...

Soon she slips her golden anchor.
Then, straining, gaining on the very wind,
off on never-ending journey
to distant, unknown shores.

Wind rising...
Tempest howls,
And frenzied seas crash
o're floundering bow.

Lightning plays on sheet and spar.
Masts groan and shriek in pain.
Just when all seems lost...
the storm abates.

On and on
the voyage moves,
through sea miles of calm and storm;
And, we are the unseen Captain's crew.

Our ship is love,
the sea our life.
For, as living forms its questions,
Surely loving is the answer.