Another Tack
(note: a definition of a “tack” is at the bottom. Also, take the time to read this because it’s great.)
When you suspect you’re going wrong,
Or lack the strength to move along
With placid poise among your peers,
Because of haunting doubts or fears:
It’s time for you to shift your pack,
And steer upon another tack!
When wind and waves assail your ship,
And anchors from the bottom slip;
When clouds of mist obscure your sun,
And foaming waters madly run:
It’s time for you to change your plan
And make a port while yet you can!
When men laugh at your woeful plight,
And seek your old repute to blight;
When all the world bestows a frown,
While you are sliding swiftly down:
It’s time for you to show your grit.
And let the scoffers know you’re fit!
When Failure opes your luckless door,
And struts across the creaking floor;
When Fortune flees and leaves you bare,
And former friends but coldly stare:
It’s time for you to take a tack,
And show the world you’re coming back!
-Lilburn Harwood Townsend
See more motivational quotes
TACK: noun
Nautical.
a. a rope for extending the lower forward corner of a course.
b. the lower forward corner of a course or fore-and-aft sail.
c. the heading of a sailing vessel, when sailing close-hauled, with reference to the wind direction.
d. a course run obliquely against the wind.
e. one of the series of straight runs that make up the zigzag course of a ship proceeding to windward.
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