Out of the Duldrums

She was first to the top of the hill, He was close behind. A stranger and yet there was recognition of something familiar By both parties as their eyes met as he appeared above the crest of the hill. Maybe it was it was the inner strength on the part of them both, Against all odds they had stayed firm and not climbed a board the ship of state, Rejecting the offer of happy pills To get them out of the doldrums both. No they still felt the need to keep their eyes open and their minds free Preferring the view from the top of the hill, Not caring if the wind smarted their cheeks As it served to remind them that they were alive and free. The pain that should have been there as they looked down On the ship of state as it pulled up anchor and sailed out of the doldrums, With those on board, unaware of the choppy seas ahead, Bereft of any thought that they might drown. It was enough for them both, To no longer have to hear their warnings falling on deaf ears Or be tempted to give up all feeling and be blissfully ignorant, Under the ship of state sail cloth. Only after the ship of state had disappeared from view Did they feel the need to speak, Unashamedly guilt free As they sat holding hands seeing no ship to spoil the view.