Dream Boat

Written by….Me.

I honestly didn't know what it was, 
It could have been the current or the sound of waves,
Perhaps it was the feel of sand beneath my feet or the scent of saltwater in the air,
Or maybe it was merely the boat nestled safely by the dock,
Still the drawing of movement called to me like an old friend.

An inner consciousness seemed to be tugging at a memory of a sensory experience,
A taste, a touch, an emotion, something unknown yet familiar seemed to be lurking on the edge of a thought,
It was as though I only had to reach out in order to find that recollection that was driving me to a change.

The boat on the water stayed docked for months at a time,
And I watched as repairs were made and new crewmen hired,
Each day old supplies were unloaded and new supplies loaded,
The dock was abuzz with activity and excitement as the departure day neared,
Families gathered each night in the café with eyes lit while anticipating a new adventure in travel.

As I continued to study the captains actions and the way he guided the crew rather than ordered them,
I began to see glimpses of my remembrances of a powerful leader who led with love and grace,
Then the boat itself with its glossy bow and polished brass appeared to have its own appeal to me,
It all screamed "home" to my desperate heart. 

A poster hung in the café closest to the dock where the crew spent their meals,
A poster that called for "All hands on deck",
A representation that the captain needed more help and could not do it with so few labourers,
I volunteered and the day before departure found myself on the boat waiting for instructions.

The captain approached and asked my strengths while showing me about,
He listened intently when I spoke and I saw the care in his eyes,
By the end of the day I had met all those I would spend the coming journey with,
Each had more experience than I though they greeted me as family,
As I sat with them in the café I smiled for the joy I'd found with them.

Departure day dawned quite early and aboard the boat we were,
The boat of hope, of joy, of family,
Suddenly electricity zinged through my veins as I recalled at last this scene,
Once long ago I stood like this upon a boat of dreams,
Not real, intangible, and simply built on clouds,
Now happy am I to be with souls who serve, and build, and reach for their dreams.