Ascent

The Voyage of the Dawn-Departure

The ship’s horn announcing

the voyage of the Dawn-Departure.

The sea, just before ascent,

is always filled with a quiet thrill.

It parts its waters,

opening a path for the vessel to go forward.

Though darkness still lingers,

it is already dawn.

The ship prepares to rise and soar,

unfolding its dawn-wings,

ready to head out upon the sea.

To ascend—

to spread one’s wings with strength

and surge upward into the sky,

to ride the wind

and climb ever higher.

A moment of freely taking flight,

rising towards new horizons,

setting out

for the distant ocean.

A life that stands again after sorrow

does not fear the waves,

for it lifts its eyes

to look far beyond.

A day that rises again after pain

is wistful and beautiful,

like a sky flushed with sunset,

for it understands

the worth of tears.

Victory. Truth. Freedom. Love. Hope—

the splendid names

written upon each departing vessel.

We await, with full hearts,

the long voyage ahead.

These are my own paintings