Eight of Wands - Carp Diem

Like Eight of the Wands we are all 'The Captain' of our own vessels traversing, and trying to maneuver the wild ocean waters of life.
We all face struggles and conflict, which can help or hinder our creativity. Some of us are overwhelmed, and there is not the help available that enables us to navigate through the rough seas over the passing of time.

Time passes quickly. " It seems just like yesterday. " " Life is short, and the older you get the faster time passes. " These are all statements I heard from my elders when I was a youngster. Now I find myself thinking and saying the same. Life can change in an instant, and we can get left behind. Carp Diem I always remember from Robin Williams film, The Dead Poets Society. There are universal truths in life and Carp Diem is certainly one of the more important ones.
 If you know someone that seems is struggling on rough seas, or that might be overwhelmed, reach out to give them a hand up, before they drown. Don't hesitate, seize the moment, you may just save their life, or maybe even your own.

O Captain! My Captain!

By Walt Whitman

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

                         But O heart! heart! heart!

                            O the bleeding drops of red,

                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

                         Here Captain! dear father!

                            This arm beneath your head!

                               It is some dream that on the deck,

                                 You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

                            But I with mournful tread,

                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,

                                  Fallen cold and dead.