A Ship Called Boxcar

On a ship called “Boxcar”, we did sail

from the southern tip of the US

into the deep teal blue ocean

hosted by situational pirates drinking whiskey and ale

harmless and generous folks sporting dreads

in need of love and a bit hesitant

I opened myself up and eventually they did too

as we snorkeled in tandem

observing the underwater world

of swaying plant life,

fish long yellow and black

as well as low swimming huge colored an electric blue

a squall came our way

an opaque veil of rain had covered the view

they all hit the deck – seeking cover

but I kept my place

wanting to feel the intensity 

I sat it out

a peace came over me

as the sailboat was tossed around

as the rain pounded down

it was confirmed in that moment

that all things do pass…

and if I could make it through this

I could weather anything coming my way,

as I journey down my path

following my internal compass –

the squall moved on, the sun shone bright

my eyes forever changed

I’ve gained new sight

that will continue to lead me

towards the light.

At least I will know

If there is one thing that is for sure

at least I will know

whenever the time comes

whenever I go

that I’ve tried out some options

some different realities

of life here and there

there won’t be regret

nor any confusion

as I’ll have experienced my life

adding to my personal season.

looking out to the grey desert clouds today

after climbing through a rhododendron thicket yesterday

i am reminded that everything is what i make it

every bit of this life is here because its what i choose.

if i stay long enough i’ll know how my soul feels

how it longs or linger or what it finds real

i guess i’ll keep moving

along till i find

the place where i feel the best

where the sun shines bright.

the thing is that the light shines here

and it also shines there

some places a little more

some places a tad bit clear.

the smell of the dry pinion pine

traded for the honeysuckle of north caroline

of course there’s a happy medium in which i will find

i wonder if its the place i started

the one that transcends time

that stays with me wherever i go

that holds steadfast flying high like the crow?

rhyming my way through the roots of my mind

the leaves of my being

and the branches of time

it sure helps me at least i believe

that at least I will know

what life is like because i’ve tried

because i’ve thought about it

because i’ve made my life mine…