“Perhaps on my journeys, I’ll meet other boats , And see sailors like me…”
I want to build a paper boat
to float away on the gushing waters
of the city streets and urban lanes
Setting sail against splashing wheels
I’ll deftly skip over debris rapids
Navigating swirls of brimming rain
I want to feel the paper light
Illuminate my tiny cabin
Casting textual newspaper shadows
I will make me a paper hat
Just like a real sailor
And man the helm shouting ‘ahoy!’
Perhaps on my journeys
I’ll meet other boats
And see sailors like me
Maybe there will be the occasional bump
Our boats may entangle
And we’ll heave to for repairs
And maybe we’ll chat a while
Talk about the weather
And have a cuppa tea
And then we’ll set sail
Like we are supposed to
And travel the gutters again
Source: http://www.redbubble.com/people/deckham/writing/1798093-a-paper-boat
I found this poem while I was in graduate school some 4 or so years ago. I just found it again, today while thinking about the newest paper boat folding project beginning.
So, I’m reminded why the paper boat is so important to me as an image and as a physical symbol for what my life is.
You’ll find me folding boats – and while folding I’ll be contemplating my existence and if I have grown at all since 2010.