Voyages

My life has been a voyage from start to finish.

 

 

 

My life on the outward journey

so far off I had not a clue

Leagues and leagues yet to go

passed the rum with the rest of the crew

 

For many a year the winds blew favor

upon my life’s journey and quest

Stopped at many a port in the storm

but for few, have forgotten the rest

 

Many the souls with which I started

at a score plus maybe three years

Have fallen prey to life's rough way

washed to sea along with their tears

 

Wind swept decks of my old ship

where I've lived, loved and wept

Well-worn friends who shared my fate

rode the seas on which we slept

 

It came one night there were fewer days

ahead than there had been behind

Found myself gazing to morning light

toward homes loving ties that bind

 

But the sea between here and there

be rough like the tempest shrew

Fighting the wind to sail the waves

tossed and thrown in the churning brew

 

Keeping the bow pointed for home

with the wind or against as we tack

Push for port through the fading light

look ahead and never look back

 

I turn for port thinking of you

as voyages end where they start

Time this sailor found his way home

to touch the warmth of hearth and heart

  $12.50

Author's Note

I pray all I am, all I may ever be, can be found in the hearts of those I have loved.
And who have dared to love me. As in the times of the ancient mariner we all hear the call of sirens that gesture us to sail home. Continuity of purpose flows from the wellspring of our lives. In the end we all find we are drawn inexorably home, to the hearth from around which we told our tales of long ago and spun our yarns of a life well lived. The well spent life will always beckon from the winds of change a call for home.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

What a wonderful poem, beautiful words but so much more buried beneath them. There really is something in comparing life with sailing the high seas, weathering storms, lying in the doldrums and all that .. and of course, the proximity of people you live and love amongst ..

'Keeping the bow pointed for home with the wind or against as we tack ~ Push for port through the fading light looking ahead and never look back'

Think this is one of your best .. love it.

[Elaine]

Of course you already know i'm going to say this is awesome. you're a great writer, there's not a single poem of yours that i have read and not enjoyed. Really your writing is truely amazing and always is, beautiful. Great job, never stop!

[E. A. Fielder]

This poem reminds me of my uncle Lars. He left his home in Stavenger Norway at the age of 16 to become a sailor. He never told me much about it but he did tell me of the places he went.

[Raivenne]

What a wonderful journey you have written of, Tate! Beautifully inspirational!

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

This poem is an inspirational journey. I love how you speak to us
about the ups and downs of life and offer us a helping hand for our
own lives without preaching down to us. Thanks alot. This poem is
really special in my eyes.

[just rose.]

You sustain an incredibly evocative metaphor. Well expressed!

[An owl on the moon]

This journey you share with us is filled with life and light... and how we all long to find a place we can call home.. Wonderful, stunning write.

[Lena M. P.]

What beautiful imagery and metaphors. Excellent piece. Ireally enjoyed reading it.

[WeekendWriter]

Excellent..... as always. I enjoy your work.

[Cassandra D.]

You are an excellent poet.
Thanks for sharing.