Ship of Dreams

A writing prompt like this is a boat of sorts. We build it out of timbers, set the mast and sails, and then we put the cargo on it. We pack the hold with our dreams, our wishes, our hopes, and our fears.

And then comes that moment.

We stop looking at the ship and our eyes rise to the featureless expanse of the sea. We see the waves and the storms over the horizon. We hear from other sailors how they had a dream of a golden city. They set sail, and were dashed upon the rocks.

And we turn and walk away.

And our great ship we built, the one with all we ever wanted to try, rots tied to a dock.

And one day, we look across the harbor at the ship. We are in a bed and a machine is beeping away our last heartbeats. Our lungs suck in a hesitant breath of air. And with our last strength, we utter those two most terrible words in the world, “What if?”

And it’s too damn late to answer the question.

It’s not the positive “What if’s” that keep us tied to the dock.

It’s the negative ones.

What if no one likes my book?

What if no one ever buys my book?

What if I offend someone?

What if I find out fame and fortune isn’t what it’s supposed to be?

We could play this game all day.

So, where do I see myself in ten years?

Let’s start with a maxim I’ve lived my life by. “A ship in harbor is safe. But that’s not what ships are made for.”

So, by declaring I will, with God’s help, be a successful writer takes courage. I’m walking past the sailors who leave their ships tied to the docks and I challenge the impossible. I challenge the voices of doubt. I laugh at those who won’t even build the ship. I declare my books will be right up there with London, Twain, Hemingway, Homer, and yes, even Wild Bill Shakespeare.

And if the ship ends up on the rocks. At least I sailed it.

There! It out there in eternity.

It’s this simple. “It’s rough out there. It’s a world that can tear you apart. It’s also a world full of wonder and promise. And if you can’t take a bloody nose in pursuit of your dreams, then don’t bother dreaming.”