Mariners (4th Rule)

The 4th rule of tankers:
"You're responsible for your own entertainment..."
- master's advice on the subject of "life"!
Late to a meeting? There are no excuses...
Or are there, cadet?!
- There are no excuses, sir!

It's not even 6, I'm already brushing,
Or cleaning, or clearing, or stowing away
We're youngies, we follow, we learn to obey
In order to learn to be leaders...one day...

At first,
There is no religion, we're human and holy!
Until...the first storm...
No jokes - when world is surrounded
By such an amazing, unstoppable swarm!

Life becomes precious! I am but a man...
Hearing no lies, for no lies are told
The thing is...there is no magic, when
Atlantic, in winters gets very cold...

One step at a time, we change from within
Or maybe its shouting, or watches we stand
Realization did not even settle, and
I'm at the wheel!
It's my first command...

Life or death? Coffee or tea?
Life - collection of options...and actions
Or rather forever on-going adaptions
To weather, to sea and to people
Some of us strong, some of us feeble
But all - have to choose the right from the wrong

Salute!
To all who love the marine
Who seek to roam aboard rolling dreams
To those, who prior to work, or making a statement
Know the 4th rule of tankers:
- You're responsible for your own entertainment..."

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Dedicated to Mass. Maritime Academy, its professors and all mariners