Some men plan their lives like they plan for a trip,

The destination is chosen, the direction is clear,

The traveling goods are loaded, the course is set,

They select the weather to sail, stay in port when rough.

I steer by integrity and set my course by honesty,

I tack against the winds of immorality and clear the rocks of shattered ethics,

I hold the lanyards of men with respect and seek clarity over the horizon,

Lifestorms beat against all in their path but I survive; my ship is pitched with the Creator.

It is truly darkest before dawn; men who live on the sea know this truth.

Hold tight to yourself, lad. Your beliefs will guide you through.

Care for others, serve those around you, resist the elements of greed, rudeness, ambition.

At the end, there is no end, there are New Days, New Breezes, so unfurl New Cloth.

Sail on, My Friend, for some day we will meet, passing starboard of each other.

We will greet each other with the sailor’s nod and the sailor’s stare, right between the eyes.

We will know each other as we know ourselves. There goes a good man without sin.

“May your days be sunny, your nights full of stars,”

My words caress the wind.