We don this night
astride our fight
a certain brilliant hue
an earnest sense
of expectance
above the fog we view.

Grand harbors spurned
long night lamps burned
through hardship we have pressed
hard pushed by sail
past thief and gale
awaiting hearth and rest.

What’s gained was gained
what’s lost was lost
the past is paid in full
release the bonds
from back beyond
that anchor down the hull.

What’s done is done
we can’t rerun
darker days full spent
but still we stand
in firm command
o’er future choices sent.

Chart clear the course
pull canvas taut
tread light upon the foam
let no fate swerve
or foe unnerve
our final race toward home.