The Sailboat — An Allegory

I am not alone. 

At first appearance it may seem so, but appearances can be deceiving. In truth, I have a relationship with many Beings. For the most part we live in harmony, but from time to time, we have our squabbles just like anyone else.

For starters, the water is my preferred environment. It’s my version of Heaven, if you will. What good am I without it’s presence? But together I am able to both float and even traverse upon its surface. 

How I long to glide through its waves. As she presses herself against my outer hull, I can’t help but feel the emerging elation whisk through my bones. We are making ourselves known to each other as I move through her.

Just because my milieu of choice is the water, I still connect with the plant kingdom. From time to time, I feel the graciousness of the algae as it caresses my skin when I meet it. Like a mother who embraces a child, it remembers me as though we have never been apart. There is no reference of time in the water. Whether it’s days, months, or even years between our meetings, she still comforts me when I need it most. 

My bond with the wind is clear. Without its breath pushing its way through my sails, I am motionless. It is my energy source—my spark of life—my way to being in corporeal form. 

I am joyful when the dolphins come to play. I sense my own inner ferociousness when the sharks hunt for their prey. 

Of course, I’d be lost without a human at the helm. I see many wonders of the world, because of their will. My personal favorite is the span of the Golden Gate. Humans created its red steel frame to cross from one side of the land to the other. Sure, they could have taken me instead. But then I would not have the pleasure of bearing witness to its beauty. Besides there is enough room for all of us.

So, there you have it. I am not alone. Sometimes there is anger. Sometimes the wind breaks my sails. Sometimes the water tosses me to and fro. Sometimes the sharks bite me, but these tussles give me strength and help me to grow. They help me to remember that I am alive.

I am here. This is my moment. And I am grateful for it all.