Exhortation Station

Every man beside his post
A well-oiled machine
Masts displayed as if to boast
Of ambitious endeavors, lands unseen

The ship was stalwart, fortified, perfect
Until a storm accepted the challenge

The vessel set out on its course
For luxurious lands, greater riches
A sunny day it proved to be
Till darkness loomed far out at sea
Clouds formed
Winds began to prevail
Piercing rain, pounding hail

“All hands on deck!”
“Tighten the ropes!”
The captain shouts to his crew
The stakes were high, every man knew

But wait, what is this?
An urgent message from the king
Sent by a bird
A small piece of paper tied under its wing
The captain unravels the letter and reads,

“Release the ropes!”

Hardly fathomable, these new instructions
The captain balks at the message
How unthinkable its consequence
Yet, its source — His Majesty
In a moment of surrendered insanity,
The captain obeys the directive
“Release!” He shouts, “Release the ropes!”

Though greatly perplexed, the crew complies
“Surely the king has a rescue devised”
“Surely a magnificent fleet he’ll provide”
And yet, just as every soul feared
The ship was tossed violently
Torn sails, no steer
No rescue came, no boats appeared
Hours passed, tension severe

All of a sudden, the ship ran aground
In its helpless meanderings, the vessel had found
A small island, not which the men had pursued
Altogether different, curiously new
A land with inhabitants gracious, friendly
Less wealthy, more content, superior company
Lush fruits, less familiar, but sweet and juicy
The captain reflected, as did the crew
Somehow this was good, every man knew

~

Don’t hold too tightly, lest in your steering
You indeed reach your dreams, then grope for the meaning
Dead set on your plans, you just missed seeing
Another land that’s far more pleasing
An opportunity worth commandeering
Not as you thought, not as you hoped

Better, in fact.

Release the ropes.