LUFF WHEN YOU CAN
BEAR AWAY WHEN YOU MUST
By James Kennard, Jr.
Published February 1847
Suggested by Peter Vanderwaart

When the mariner sees, far ahead on the ocean,
By the yeasty white waves, in their wildest commotion,
That breakers are lying direct in his path,
He dashes not onward to brave all their wrath,

But, still in his compass and helm placing trust,
Luffs, luffs if he can, bears away when he must.
Mid the lightning's sharp flash, mid the thunder's deep roar,When the foaming waves dash on the rocky lee shore,

When Hope disappears, and the terrible form
Of Death rides triumphant upon the dark storm,
In God and their ship the bold mariner's trust,
Luff, luff while they can, yield a point when they must.

Illustration by Rockwell Kent

Then make it your rule, on the billows of life,
So to sail as to shun all commotion and strife;
And thus your voyage of existence by pleasant,
Hope smile on the future, Joy beam on the present,

If you in the rule of the mariner trust,
Luff, luff while you can, bear away when you must.
And when the lee-shore of grim Death is in view,
And the tempests of fate your lone vessel pursue, --

Even while your last prayers unto God are addressed,
Though prepared for the worst, still hope on for the best;
Carry sail till the last stitch of canvas is burst, --
Luff, luff while you can, bear away when you must.