Yes, My Captain

Night falls.
As vision fades
fear surrounds you like smoke.

Remember, it’s only a feeling
and can do you no real harm.
Yes, forward.

Rain falls.
Be wet.
Or march between the drops.

The temperature plummets.
Your blood feels like ice.
Breathe the memory of warmth.

Yes, forward.

The sunrise
brings promise.
Do not hope for too much.

The prickly wind builds,
stinging eyes and flesh.
Bow your head.

Yes, forward.

The heat saps your strength and will.
You lose all sense of where you are.
No matter.

Your bones align
to the proper direction.
It was always there within you.

Yes, forward.

You think you’ve finally arrived.
But you know better.
Yes, forward