These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Helping the Keel

When the words are slow to come,
and thoughts don't easily jell,
we're tempted to enthrone the sum
as "nothing left to tell."

But all this means, I firmly feel
is "life has been a load."
When rough-made waters fight the keel,
find harbor and abode.

The heart digs in. "Just strongly move
to force the body, 'Go!'"
The body yelps to "Reigns remove,
and more compassion show."

The currents pummel ev'ry keel,
then shore we must the wood,
returning hope to worthy weel,
rerighting life that's good.

Let's help the keel each wayworn barque
doth need to sail as true.
The given help, the needed spark,
then travel is in view.

by Jay O’Toole
on March 20th, 2025