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.