Conquerer of elements

"Sail ahoy, sail ahoy," the sailors shout

As they look at me for approval

A nod I give them, a smile from my eyes

Closed they were then, as if to pray

and open again, to let them go

A swing to the port side, another to the starboard

and we set sail into the unending expanse of the salty grey

the horizon was never near, but it never was so approachable either

as the wind filled the main sale and the astern went up and down

the hull is a horse and as cowboys we race to the sun

The sea is not the kindest today

no dolphins to keep us company

no easy task for the captain

but with the helm in my hand

I scream to let the angry sea know

"we are here to conquer you today"

We gallop on our horse as the wind cheers us on

the sea looking strong, but pale, a little frightened may be

but intimidating nevertheless

one quick turn as the sea opens its mouth to gobble us down

and we are alee, strong against the wind

not afraid of the sea

going into the trap it laid for us

knowing a will survives longer than strength

up and down, side to side, the sea is merciless

The gunwale looks scared, almost ready to go under

but on trapeze we go, holding it calm, holding it above the menacing waters

"we take it head on, no fear," i scream

"no fear," they respond and up we are

all hands on deck, "no fear, no place for fear"

Off we go on to the windward side

one leap forward, one leap on the side and we beat the angry turbulence she drew for us

open sea now, as vast as we always imagined

and calm, contrary to our expectations

we look back to see the receding waves we conquered

Drenched in salty water, smiles on our face, we salute to this worthy opponent

"I am the elements, you are but a part of me," I scream to our nemesis

It doesn't look so intimidating anymore

a little sad and weary perhaps, looking at us with salty tears

we lay in the glory of our victory, feeling sorry for the sea

then we all look at each other, knowing what needs to be done

all lines are loosened, the sails set loose

we wait for a wave to help us in our endeavour

and then it came, a swelling beauty of water

capsize and in we go into the sea

a final insult to injury

"I make you, I break you and only if I want, can you take me"

the sea looks even sadder now

as we lay laughing in the waters

only to mount our horse again

but only when we feel the time is right