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.

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.