Art By Winslow Homer

The Ship That Sails
By Anonymous


I'd rather be the ship that sails
and rides the billows wild and free;
Than be the ship that always fails
to leave its port and go to sea.

I’d rather feel the sting of strife,
where gales are born and tempests roar;
Than settle down to a useless life
and rot in dry dock on the shore.

I’d rather fight some mighty wave
with honour in supreme command;
And fill a last well earned grave,
than die at ease upon the sand.

I’d rather drive where storm winds blow
and be the ship that always failed
To make the ports where it would go,
than be the ship that never sails.