I Set My Mind Against The Tide

I Set My Mind Against The Tide




I set my mind against the tide,
as a sailor sets a sail
straight into a westward wind,
that soon became a gale.

The harbor lights were far behind,
when the sky bled blue to gray.
The chop was fine and coming fast
and my boat began to sway.

Broadside and true she took each wave
and fell to meet the next.
The troughs were deep the angles steep
my thoughts were dark and vexed.

And in that hour the taunting came,
from deep within the storm.
Derision scorn and vile blame,
took endless ghostly form.

Loathing lingered on the deck
as doubt engulfed the mast.
And from the east, a tiny speck
flew toward me from the past.

Larger loomed this bird of prey
in silence loud and clear.
With stealth and guile it ruled the day
for this was cold dark fear.

Fear stretched out a deadly claw
and danced with doubt and scorn
around the sail I’d bravely set
they mocked the oath I’d sworn.

The bitter wind grew stronger still
as hopelessness appeared
and played a mournful melody
for doubt and scorn and fear.

“Come join the dance” the storm intoned
I know you know the steps.
“I’ll bring you peace” the wind exclaimed
“with one more cigarette.”

But just between the flash and fade
the lightning wind  and storm
were all inventions I had made
while I was busy being born.

For I have lost a lover
who would kill me where I stand
but found a better friend in me
cause I know who I am.

I set my mind against the tide
as a sailor sets a sail…



I set my mind against the tide
As a sailor sets a sail…..


I set my mind against the tide
as a sailor sets a sail….