Poem - The Voyage
On calm waters the journey is plot
A long voyage on life’s vast ocean
To see the wonders on distant shores
With excitement, hope and desire
We three set off on adventure
Bold is the boatswain
Who will look fear in its eyes and cackle
A madman behind the wheel
So unlike is brother Watchman
Who cries at every grey cloud
And on good days I take the helm
The crew is merry and bright
Great progress is made
Towards each port of call
On some days there are storms
I do my best to keep the old boat steady
But it is unreasonable to stay at post
Day in and day out
As the Boatswain takes the wheel
My tired hands grip the mast and I know fear
The control wrenched from me
The waves bobbing up and down
So certain I am they’ll take me
The Watchman’s cries echo my own
A chorus ignored while the storm persists
No storm lasts forever
And the clouds do eventually part
But I am bedraggled, saltswept and sore
Let the Watchman take the wheel
Though he lacks the skills
To get us back on course
He does his best to let us rest
Self-care is our duty now
With a head a rest
My station is my own once more
My boat weathered by the storm
Once again we turn toward our destination
And journey once more
This is my crew for life’s voyage.
Anxiety, Depression, and I
