On The High Seas Poem by Mark Heathcote

Almost all relationships are like being
on the high seas, if you fall overboard
be sure you can survive; float like a gourd.
Keep a lifeboat that isn't about to keel over,
that isn't leaking; no good -you hoping
to be saved, that isn't ever enough.
These storms can be rough; you need to be tough,
slopping out tears, feeling depressed, mopping,
and crying for years helpless what will that achieve?
Sometimes, we've got to learn to swim
and paddle to shore, kicking hard with each limb,
'must I hope I don't drown in the reeds?
One day I'll sail and sink, never no more.'
Admiral, higher ranked than Commodore.