Relation Ships Poem by Rhona McFerran

Some are frivolous-

Cruise ships out for fun
Sailing smoothly
On sunny seas
Never meant to last

Others are practical-

Freighters bearing heavy cargo
Navigating tricky currents
Weathering sea storms

Some are comfortable-

Simple houseboats- humble in appearance
Slow moving and
Quaint
But dependable

Others are dangerous-

Slave galleys exporting
Death and despair
Imprisoning their passengers
In unspeakable abuse

Some are courageous-

Icebreakers with reinforced hulls
Breaking through where
Others wouldn't dare
Providing safe passage

Others are underhanded-

Fishing vessels casting nets wide
Reeling in news and gossip
Leaving stench in their wake

Some are useful-

Tugboats pushing and pulling
Rescuing others
That can't safely move
On their own

Others are pointless-

Nostalgic paddleboats
Sadly outmoded
Having outlived their usefulness

Many relation ships
Can be maintenanced
And repaired
Avoid rocky shorelines
And arrive home safe
but
Some relation ships
Take us where
We never wanted to go
or
Sometimes
Sink fast
Neglected and weather-worn
Impaled on rocky coastlines
Submarined by the enemy

Which ship is ours
And what will its fate be?