Becalmed
by Simon Whitton
1st January 2002

Blue, the colour of the sky,

the colour of the ocean;

as far as the eye can see.

Not a breath of wind in months,

not a cloud to break the monotony.

Faith my only confidence.

 

The logbook is filled with empty pages.

With "H.M.S." engraved on her bow and stern,

this vessel was surely designed for a purpose,

to be powered by the wind; for His service. 

Many ships traverse the seas, 

but sails are all too rare now,

in this fast paced urgent world.

 

My cabin is crammed with books.

I had pored over and memorized the charts,

and take comfort in their revelation.

I can see the stars at night,

I know where we are.

Why go back to the charts, those familiar charts,

while this redundant ship sits waiting.

 

Charts alone are not enough,

I need the power of the wind.

There have been many storms in the past,

more wind than was needed.

I fought the wind, and was brought to despair,

often praying for calm.

I’m not the first to be marooned on a ship, 

patience is needed.   

 

Many steamships claim to be propelled by God,

but their blackened faces give them away.

They are under their own steam.

They want me to cut down my masts

and exchange them for funnels.

"Do the Lord's will faster", they say;

"God's speed", they shout, even as they shovel coal.

Give me the windswept, ruddy face of a true sailor.

I will wait for the wind.

 

Then there are the ocean currents,

that cling to the surface of the world.

That take you and move you, almost imperceptibly,

in a direction you have no desire to go.

You cannot steer away from the currents,

only the wind enables you to break free,

empowering you to steer again,

towards the goal.

 

God's provision is ample.

None of the passengers are concerned.

The children play on the deck,

adults find leisure, while the ship sits at rest.

But I always find myself back by the helm,

scanning the horizon for a sign,

for a cloud, for a breeze.

I pray for wind, this is the only answer,

and it will come; such is my faith.

 

International maritime law states quite clearly:

steam must give way to sail.

In the crowded waterways of commerce,

the steam ships will move aside,

and stare at the majesty of a vessel,

powered by God alone.

 
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