Life and the Bottle

Life & the Bottle I stood on the shore one windy day, And watched a bottle float slowly away. I thought as I watched its slow demise, How similar to life with each days’ new surprise. First it’s up, and then it’s down, Then it’s drifting all around. When that next wave gives it upward flight Will it continue to sail aright? Perhaps a new wave will give it a lift, Before it begins its downward drift. “How long before the next new wave?” you ask, “To help maintain the lifting task.” Will it be a second, or two? Or perhaps a minute, maybe a few. Before it’s lifted to the wave’s crest Where it experiences that ride at its best. Life, like the bottle floats daily along, With each new wave there’s an accompanying song. As the wave swells and you continue to rise Drawn ever closer to the skies. Then, when you think your ride will never cease, The wave begins its next decrease. Will it be painless? Will it be swift? As you begin your downward drift. Away from the crest with the current you go, Hoping the next wave isn’t absent, or slow. Just as the bottom seems very near, A new sound you suddenly hear. As you lift your head and tune your ear So you surely will be able to hear, Suddenly, you begin to understand, The sound you heard is His uplifting hand.