I have sailed
Upon many handsome ships.
I was reliably told
They were sturdy
Stalwart vessels
That would carry me,
Safely,
To my destination.

But, their seaworthiness
Was always tested.
And when storms approached,
They would creak,
They would strain.
And under the pounding waves,
They would invariably
Leak.

And, I would
Find myself,
Once again,
Treading the icy waters
Of the dark deep.

One acquires,
Understandably,
A certain reluctance
To step upon
The gangplank,
Swamped by flashbacks
Of so many ships that sunk.

Yet, one knows
That boarding
Is a prerequisite
To arrival.
And, so,
You grasp the rail.
And step,
Dispelling the land lubber’s regret,
All previous debacles
You choose
To forget.
Because,
You will always take
Your chances
To float forever
Upon
The unfathomable blue.