The Optimist Sailor

Out at sea for so long I fear my sanity's failing Like pirates of old, trust in my vision curtailing Are mermaids waving there or tails of whales flailing Perhaps a mirage is where I seem to be sailing Yet my great love for the sea is still prevailing I close my eyes and lean forward over the railing Breathe misty ocean air in, inhaling, exhaling The unknown lies ahead with regrets behind trailing My sailboat silhouette in the horizon impaling Rocking to and fro over waves that I'm scaling Through sun and storms, through raining and hailing Smiling to stay afloat, with a bucket, keep bailing When water came in I'm still singing, not wailing Whatever happens now, this sure cured what was ailing July 25, 2022 Sailing poetry contest Sponsored by: Julia Ward