Sailing Lesson

The wind assaults the passive sailAnd pushes, but to no avail;Because, although the boat may heel,A lowered centerboard or keelTranslates the wind’s insistent forceInto a thrusting forward course.A captain who is disciplinedCan sail a few points off the wind;But this is difficult, and soMost let the boom run out and go.Just judging by his run to port,The President’s the latter sort.

W. H. von Dreele