by J. Kirkendall

Four of us, who know each other,

are in a nearly-full lifeboat.

We can carry the weight of two more adults

before we capsize in frigid waters.

Someone desperately asks,

What do we do?

A guy that sounds like me stands up and shouts,

SAVE THE CHILDREN! 

He continues,

If we have to . .

Healthy men get in the water and hold the railing.

One we saved, age 4

Tie a rope to my waist, and

I ‘ll bring back as many as I can.

When I can’t move anymore,

Someone take my place.