Welcome the Wind

Much has already been written about the wind.  One of my favorite wind quotes is from William Arthur Ward who said, "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."

And another from Captain Christopher Shelton (from s/v Albatross and the movie White Squall): "You can't run from the wind.  You trim your sails, face the music, and keep going."

So now allow me to write a bit more about the wind, for sailing would be a lot more like drifting without it.  There are a few things in life that we can't see even with our eyes wide open.  God.  Love.  And the wind.  We can see the effects of all these things, but we can't see the actual thing.  However, if we allow our other senses to open up, we can feel them.  It amazes me that something as cryptic as the wind has the ability to carry a sailboat thousands and thousands of miles.

And lastly, I'll finish my tribute to the wind with the lyrics to Windsong from one of my favorite musicians, John Denver.

The Wind is the whisper of our mother the earthThe Wind is the hand of our father the skyThe Wind watches over our struggles and pleasuresThe Wind is the goddess who first learned to fly

The Wind is the bearer of bad and good tidingsWeaver of darkness, bringer of dawnThe Wind gives the rain, then builds us a rainbowThe Wind is the singer who sang the first song

Wind is a twister of anger and warningThe Wind brings the fragrance of freshly mown hayThe Wind is a racer and wild stallion runningAnd the sweet taste of love on a slow summer’s day

The Wind knows the songs of cities and canyonsThunder of mountains, roar of the seaWind is the taker and giver of morningsThe Wind is the symbol of all that is free

So, welcome the Wind and the wisdom she offersFollow her summons when she calls againIn your heart and your spirit, let the breezes surround youLift up your voice then and sing with the Wind