Seafaring Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

What is a ship if not the toil
and blood of salty men
of fishermen and seasoned souls
who must sail once again

What is the sea if not the draw
to freedom and to soar
to glide on waves unending flow
and reach unconquered shores

What is the sail if not the flag
that tears as strong gusts fan
though tattered it will mend once more
by weathered deep veined hands

Where can a man breathe air so free
and gaze at firmament
ablaze with stars and flying fish
bright heaven's ornament

Who can resist the endless sight
of water and of sky
no boundaries no walls to cramp
the spirit's urge to fly?