Push - Pull

It seems a tugboat has a choice
When dealing with a barge – 
To push it or to pull it
And I wonder who’s in charge

Of making that decision
Or what factors are in play.
Is pushing better sometimes?
I don’t know enough to say.

Most often when I see a tug
It’s chugging right behind
The barge or boat it’s pushing
And it doesn’t seem to mind.

Yet earlier today I saw
A tugboat in the lead,
Pulling piles of huge containers,
An accomplishment, indeed.

For that tug was proudly doing
Lots of tugging, like its name.
When it pushes from behind, to me,
It isn’t quite the same.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 7:28 PM
Very sharp observation, ilene! ~ Push-Boat Pete
Leffanta Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 11:43 AM
A daily view from my window, yet I never asked that question ......
Amadore Avatar
June 7, 2021 at 5:41 PM
Certainly something to wonder about when noticing marine activity on a nice Spring day! I liked your poem and vividly pictured both the "tugging" and the pushing.
Allison Avatar
June 7, 2021 at 12:41 PM
It must have been fascinating to observe Ilene, thanks for sharing :-) hugs Jan xx
Smith Avatar
June 7, 2021 at 12:32 PM
Maybe it's chugging instead of tugging, well done Ilene...
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