In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April.

THE M/V MIGHTY PRIDE
— by Margie Doyle —

The Mighty Pride he called her
The woman that he owned

He loved her quiet strength
And her useful, sturdy beauty

He loved the modesty of her gaze
The care she took as she went about her ways

He didn’t mind that she tired, working
Her tender strength was enough to bear him home

And out again to sea
To the wild wide fields of painful beauty and deepest danger
That defined his life

She loved the edge of his courage
The recklessness that said I’ll try
And the wisdom that said I will give her what she needs

No frills, no doubts
Hard beauty, staunch love
Moving through unyielding seas

But through strength and stubbornness
Coming back again and again

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