Modest Crafts

Your craft is modest.
Not made for deep waters.

and yet you insist on sailing
further from the shore
than it was designed to go.

So far, you have survived
the swells and adventures,
but you are aware, one day,

you may not.

Until then however, you do the work.
Caulk the hull. Sister the ribs.
Patch the sails in the safe moments ashore.

Unromantic. Necessary
for any who desires horizons
over the shallows.

About this poem

“A man’s got to know his limitations”. That’s a quote from one of the infamous Dirty Harry movies with Clint Eastwood. I use it often when I run up against my own.

But a man’s got to press beyond them as well. As much as I desire it, comfort is dangerous, I have come to think. That’s when you cease to do the work that keeps you strong, and makes you stronger. And that dear friends, is when you come apart on the sea of life.

Be well. Travel wisely,

Tom

PS: The picture was taken at Mystic Seaport, CT.