The Captain can't go down

defeat is not an option
when you are the captain

you can't just bail
or go down
with the ship
you must
turn it around

somehow ...

or the passengers
who didn't ask
to be on board
will be stranded
with the pirate
who stole the loot
smashed a hole
in the bow
and cast you
out to sea,
an anchor
in your hand.

Author's Note

Reviews

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I'm going to get personal here, because this poem stirs up some old stuff of mine. It takes me back to a failing marriage and two young children...the "pirate" had poked a hole in the boat and this captain just couldn't give up and go down. As with the music video.."going under" with big responsibilities and feeling so anchored down is a struggle of "to be or not to be". Perhaps, a strange review, but once again you have sent me on a thought journey.

[Lyn Anderson]

Not strange at all. The marriage has failed. The pirate left a hell of a pile of holes, and just trying to save the passengers he left behind. I knew it from the moment I read you, we connect. While not all my work is autobiographical, most of it is rooted in past and present personal experiences, or things in which I am personally interested in, like serial killers.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I feel the same way. When I read this, I was taken back in time. Sometimes my personal stuff gets triggered by something and I can miss what's really there. In this one, I could just see it and it was dead on. You make me smile...big smile.

[Pryde Foltz]

Seems to me the most mutinous is one's own desirous heart. Fortunately/unfortunately the more holes poked in a mutinous heart the better it floats:)

[Lyn Anderson]

I appreciate the pop in. Thanks.

[Einstein Noodle]

very interesting ... you got me thinking on this one KL! passengers usually buy a ticket and climb on board willingly ... and i would expect the Captain to sail right through those storms and pirates ... hole in the bow or no ;) but there are circumstances outside everyone's ken and power ... and my favorite self helper, Dale Carnegie, said:
"The only mistake a person makes, is to persist in one." :)
E.

[Lyn Anderson]

We bring them onto the ship, we need to make sure they have all the necessary equipment to survive.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ..i do understand that from your poem as well ... sometimes the bringing on board is more than we can carry ..sometimes we batten up the life vests and still they refuse to listen ... and sometimes everything really does go smooth sailing ... so much to think about rt your poem ... still gets me thinking as i re-read it this morning ;)

[Ruth]

Such cycles that involve others who remain innocent is a hard damn ship to sail...the effects of the callous are long echoing and reaching...it isn't an option...you are right :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you very much for stopping in. Always a pleasure to see you.

[Zugzwang]

Being all at sea is a tough proposition, especially in the times when you're taking water.
I love how you're in the business of turning the boat around. And nice to see the pirates are elsewhere.
z.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for stopping in.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

need to be an anchor...we are often expected to take care of everything when really we are just a passenger in life, also..

but it is tough to live up to those expectations...damn those pirates...

j.

[Lyn Anderson]

thank you, yes, and the worst pirates are the ones who pose as something else before they reveal their true nature.

[Matching Socks]

The captain always puts the well being of the passengers and crew above her own. As it should be. But the captain is stronger with a first mate. Aye? Or the waters be tough to tame. But not impossible.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, thank you. Just saw this review.

[Matching Socks]

You're welcome.

[Lyn Anderson]

I wonder why that happens, that review notifications disappear, or don't show up.

[Matching Socks]

I'm not sure. I did read another of yours just before this one and you didn't get that either maybe?
Glitch maybe. Who knows! :)
Just think of all the ppl though who think you're ignoring them. :D

[Lyn Anderson]

oh I know, I feel bad.:)

[Lyn Anderson]

ps what one was that?

[Matching Socks]

Random turn of events.

[Bacchus]

smashed a stupid hole-
great one- nice!

[Lyn Anderson]

thanks. I appreciate your visits, and your thought provoking writing.