Voyage Infinite

by Dilip Mohapatra (April 2016)

The sea has been lapping

the cables of my anchor

with its saline tongue for years

trying to devour it to its core

but it lives on

undeterred and resolute

surviving the vagaries of weather

though with a thin layer of rust

which like scars left behind

by the wounds that

eventually heal

remind one of strength

and ability to stay on and carry on

and holds onto the shanks

as solidly as ever.

 

As I weigh my anchors

the cables wound up on the windlass

and give my conning orders

slow ahead both engines

I am ready once again

to set sails to continue on my

endless voyages ad infinitum

Pegasus and Cygnus for company at night

the gulls and albatrosses during day

the heavens revolving past

my steadfast mast

as I go round and round

with the rhythm of the rolls

pitches and yaws

on the spinning carousel that is Earth

chasing horizon after horizon.

 

_____________________________

Dilip Mohapatra (b.1950), a decorated Navy Veteran started writing poems since the seventies. His poems have appeared in many literary journals of repute worldwide. Some of his poems are included in the World Poetry Yearbook, 2013 and 2014 Editions. He has three poetry collections to his credit, the latest titled Another Look recently published by Authorspress India. His fourth book P2P nee Points to Ponder is a departure from his poetic passion and is a collection of his musings on various themes which are meant to act as points in a mariner’s compass helping the reader to navigate his life better in rough waters. He holds two masters degrees, in Physics and in Management Studies. He lives with his wife in Pune. His website may be accessed at dilipmohapatra.com.

 

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