**a Touch Of Pride Poem by Ernestine Northover

Looking out across the sea to wide horizons new,
Setting off with many thoughts, in my small boat of blue.
With a strong wind at my back my way is straight and true.

‘Plucky’ is my middle name, I love the wide unknown,
Each day an altered canvas before my eyes I’m shown,
Eagerness is in my Soul. I travel on alone.

The crying of the seagulls way up above my head,
Dolphins playing merrily. Their living space wide-spread.
Their intelligence a marvel, such a thoroughbred.

The tossing of the waves, the brilliance of the sun,
How peaceful one can feel like a fantasy well spun.
Such relaxation found when the busy day is done.

Conquering the elements gives one a touch of pride,
Sailing into stormy squalls can give a choppy ride,
But my sturdy craft and I are both well satisfied.