Across life's uncertain sea you speed,
Full sails strain the ropes.
While I sit here anxiously,
Forging anchors out of hope.
Slow my child, slow a bit,
There's rock and rill and reef.
For in your heady rush I find,
Less chance for joy , more for grief.
Right now your bark is sleek and trim,
Your prow a prancing steed.
Amid the perils of the deep,
you sail with blazing speed.
Sea spray foam springs from your keel,
The sun reflects each drop.
But I would bid you slow a bit,
My prayers would bid you stop.
Take time I say to steady your ship,
Check your cargo, the stays, the blocks.
Make fast before you blithely sail,
Through reef and rill and rock.
No ship has ever made it,
Clear across life's wide sweep.
Without a taste of terror,
From the demon of the deep.
It is then you'll want your cargo,
When on fear you've run aground.
And wish you had those anchors ,
That used to lie around.
Sail on my precious child , sail on!
Set course for the rising sun.
Taste the sea breeze, taste the thrill,
Of a life that's just begun .
Treasure the victories, savor the joys,
Hide them deep within your heart.
For nary a ship has made this trip ,
And failed to fall apart .
Small wonder then as you fly,
With sails that strain the ropes .
That I sit here anxiously ,
Forging anchors out of hope .