Choiceless

Since gales do by Nature’s arm blow
In dizzying storms far from the shore,
So even choiceless boats must move, 
As unyielding gusts so restless prove. 

Not every motioning vessel afloat 
High waters as ship or small boat
Chose to tease furious ocean tide,
Or test mild sharks' waspish pride. 

Some swift sea-faring boats would
Anon stop if winds in unison stood,
And relish a sober long-wanted rest
From hard sails by another pressed. 

The wavy sail isn’t necessarily sweet
Just because that fast-voyaging fleet 
Seems to glide over bubbly bounds
In unwillingly smooth gleeful rounds. 

Remember gusts by Nature’s arm roll;
And mortals' temporal boats must fall,
Or rise along sternly unyielding trails
Left by glum oceans' unresting gales.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Magnet Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 7:39 PM
challenging read , but satisfying, one which grows on you the more you read.
Faulkner Avatar
August 11, 2020 at 3:32 PM
The contrast of the 'choiceless' boats and the power of the ocean is riveting, a well rhymed and layered poem...
Watt Avatar
August 7, 2020 at 3:25 PM
A testimony to the incredible power of the sea and wind and storm, and man's relentless efforts to tame or overcome that power. Nicely written, Hannington, with great imagery, smooth flow, and thoughtful rhyme. ~ John
Mumo Avatar
August 8, 2020 at 11:25 AM
Thanks for the motivating glimpse into this little opus and for your encouraging remarks!
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