Fishermen Know
© 2018 by P Michael Biggs
Fishermen know things,
like ‘the sea is dangerous.’
They fear storms,
hate wind and waves mostly
When the boat is rocking
and rolling, waves sweeping
over the deck,
They still tread on.
They have a job to do,
a destiny to fulfill,
a mountain of water
to traverse.
It would be easy to
stay home on days like this.
Home is safe, the harbor is cozy.
They could sit back and
take ‘er easy till this
storm blows over.
They could, you know,
‘cause it’s dangerous out there.
But they never found these dangers
sufficient enough reason
for remaining ashore.
Boats weren’t built for
staying in the shallows
of the harbor.
The big catches of fish
never swim close enough
to the shore for our convenience.
Oh yes, dangers abound.
They are everywhere.
Even facing a suited-up banker,
a mechanic, a window washer.
Things could happen.
Things can always happen.
Ah, but we go and do what our
jobs demand,
because that is the
call of the wild, the unknown.
Every day is different,
new, fresh and inviting.
We could stay home.
It’s safe enough I suppose.
But we’re not meant to stay safe.
We’re meant to explore.
Go and uncover.
Build and create new paths.
We’re built for discovery,
because the unknown calls.
(This verse is based on a Vincent
van Gough quote)
