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Starboard

In between
separate voyages
we dock, and drop the sail,

check the supplies,
and navigation charts,
so there's not a chance we'll fail.

Yet waves of doubt
surround us all
so towards the ship's captain,

all heads turn
displaying unity,
and faith we'll see our destination.

Duty calls
we must have our say
so, try not to miss the boat,

sink or swim
one dare not exclaim
that they had no chance to vote.

Privileges
are something that
we may or may not need,

responsibilities
on the other hand
are things we all must heed.

So, on we sail
don't let us down
we can't afford to lose our way,

all hands on deck
the ocean sings her song
as we sail to a brand new day.
— docmaverick, Apr 18, 2010

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: The High Desert, in the wild west, southern California, U.S. of A.., USA

Favorite Poets: Keates, Poe, Dickinson, and Dr. Seuss. There are a smattering of others, but why bother listing 'em all, ya know?, I also rely on a few of our poets, here....for advice, and what not. I couldn't possibly explain what a fountain of live, effective knowledge we have...right here in our midst ! To catch a glimmer of brilliance, merely visit: the Stream.

More from this author

Critiques

R

raskin

16 years 1 month ago

Great one on the ocean,

Great one on the ocean, sailing, navigation. The night sky used for navigation, responsibility to guide on the correct course. I like this, reminds me of home. raskin
docmaverick

docmaverick

16 years 1 month ago

Thanx, Raskin....

...I'm glad it reminded you of home, and I appreciate your words of encouragement. "Write on"! sincerely, #{:-{)}8==== docmaverick.
M

magics02

16 years 1 month ago

Just loved this

So great the words and just an all around great poem Doc. The flow of this sent me on a smooth sailing voyage with the sunrise awakening the new day. Really great imagery and good job Doc Love Mona xoxox TIME well spent is TIME well lived
Seren

Seren

16 years 1 month ago

Dear Doc

My cousins husband is a Captain on a destroyer with the Australian navy ... he wrote a poem and this one of yours though not as military themed reminded me strongly of it wonderful seafaring poetry love and hugs JayCee x x Quote:- It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense.---Robert Green Ingersoll
docmaverick

docmaverick

16 years 1 month ago

Thanks, JayCee....

...for labeling my effort as "wonderful"...I do so appreciate your comments. "Write on"! sincerely, #{:-{)}8==== docmaverick.
Janice Pearce

Janice Pearce

16 years 1 month ago

Starboard

Doc, My brother was in the Navy for twenty years and although there were no sails, (a diesel engine,) this evoked some of my memories Thanks for sharing! ____________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous
docmaverick

docmaverick

16 years 1 month ago

Oddly enough, Janice....

...this poem was actually about "voting". I merely used the sea as my metaphor. I guess I knew that I wasn't making myself, clear. I am glad you enjoyed the poem, and it's ability to remind you of your brother. Thanx, again. "Write on"! sincerely, #{:-{)}8==== docmaverick.
Janice Pearce

Janice Pearce

16 years 1 month ago

Starboard

Well, I missed on this one, as I read through it again. I should have paid better attention to the words, makes perfect sense. _________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous
docmaverick

docmaverick

16 years 1 month ago

Wow, Janice....,

...so you DO get it. Thanx for reading me, twice ! "Write on"! sincerely, #{:-{)}8==== docmaverick.
AW

Antoinette Mar…

16 years 1 month ago

Your Poetry....does take me on many voyages, my son...

never know where it will take me next...this one actually took me to a voting booth.....and I understand the premise of this gem...we have responsibility...not to go overboard...and keep our selves on "course"...thank you again for a lovely write.. Antoinette Mari
docmaverick

docmaverick

16 years 1 month ago

Sorry, Mom....

...but I forgot to tell you I had posted. I'm thrilled that you approve of this effort. Thanx, again. "Write on"! sincerely, #{:-{)}8==== docmaverick.