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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Fearful (08/23/07)
We set our sails for harbors far across the vast green sea.
My captain’s voice is clear and firm as he calls out to me.
“Aye, aye!” I say into the wind that blows from isles unknown
as I hoist canvas to the sky where sails meet ocean’s foam.

For many travels cross the sea I’ve stood upon this deck.
I’ve felt the ocean’s fury, and I’ve seen the seas at rest.
I’ve listened to the captain and obeyed every command.
For he alone knows secrets of the ocean’s ways with man.

Once more we cast into the vast and churning ocean realms.
I know our fate is sure and safe with Captain at the helm.
The ocean lifts and draws us out to meet the deep and wide.
The launching of this journey is a smooth and easy glide.

I smile and wish that all to come would be as calm and sweet,
but I’ve lived long enough to know no journey is complete
until the dangers have been met and each threat weathered through.
For on the sea the hardest foe to face is me and you.

What? Did you think I’d speak of monsters, winds, and raging seas?
Or of the evil hoards of crews that plunder in the breeze?
Ah, yes. You picture scurvied bones or ships with crippled gear.
But, no, the greatest danger is a mind and heart in fear.

Fear is the foe who lies awake while faith and will grow weak.
Fear is the foe who creeps inside and stows away in sleep.
Fear lies and calls the Captain just a pawn of nature’s game,
and fear can pull the proudest heart into its watery grave.

Into the ocean of the deep we sail at Captain’s side.
Will this time be the journey when fear climbs aboard to hide?
Will cheap unguarded moments take our eyes from Captain’s lead
and steer us into panicked flight into death’s crushing reef?

The danger is in you and me. Weak will we can’t afford.
For fear can find a corner in a heart without its Lord.
The tentacles that writhe and grip are cold as ocean’s deep,
but courage through obedience and faith will treasure reap.

So lean into the ocean’s wind. Ready for dangers near,
for we are members of the crew that has no need of fear.
Our Captain is the Lord of all. The sea bows at His feet,
and we are His upon His ship. Our journey He’ll complete.
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This article has been read 1701 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Loren T. Lowery
08/30/07
A very basic truth written in such an engaging way. This is simply tereffic.
Sherril Wendling
08/31/07
Detailed imagery blended with allegory, lovingly and skillfully crafted in rhythm and rhyme! "...the greatest danger is a mind and heart in fear"...Yes and amen. Thanks for a beautiful inspirational verse!
Lynda Schultz 
08/31/07
Love it! I could feel the wind in my hair and smell the ocean breezes. The message is right on! Great writing.
Rhonda Clark
09/01/07
This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed it.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
09/01/07
I really enjoyed the personification of fear is this engaging poem. My favorite stanza begins, "Fear is the foe..."
Your message is expressed excellently.
Sharlyn Guthrie
09/01/07
Perfect rhythm and rhyme scheme, and yet the words flow naturally, too. My favorite line is, "Fear is the foe who lies awake while faith and will grow weak."
Dee Yoder
09/03/07
I like the stanza that Sharlyn quoted, too. The flow of this wonderful poem is excellent. Terrific writing!
Joanne Sher 
09/03/07
Wonderfully woven metaphor throughout this great piece. Enjoyed the meter and wonderful images. Great stuff!
Beth LaBuff 
09/06/07
Linda--this is so amazingly and beautifully written. I loved your interlude question to the reader concerning monsters, winds, and scurvied bones. I can picture the tide in your phrase “The ocean lifts and draws us out to meet the deep and wide.” And this line is so hauntingly poetic, “as I hoist canvas to the sky where sails meet ocean’s foam” One favorite line and image is, “Our Captain is the Lord of all. The sea bows at His feet”. Once again you’ve drawn me into your setting.