Poetry Challenge #203-Semper Paratus

Today, August 4, 2021, National Coast Guard Day, marks the 232nd birthday of the Coast Guard, the first national branch of the US Military, established by President George Washington in 1790. The Coast Guard provides sea search and rescue, protect our shores and waterways—including saving an estimated 24,000 people at sea. In Hurricane Katrina, the Coast Guard rescued about 33,500 people.  

And…remember the movie The Perfect Storm, book by Sebastian Junger? Dah duh-da-duh da-duh!  Coast Guard to the rescue (along with, I’m proud to report, Sea-Air Rescue SAR team from Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, NY.) Semper Paratus!

Poetry Challenge #203

Semper Paratus

Semper Paratus, the Coast Guard official motto means “Always Ready.” Let that be the title of today’s poem, “Always Ready.”

But for what? And how?—no need to limit your imagination—and, who’s always ready? Is it you . . .or?

But-but-but…before you begin, regardless of the subject of your poem, let’s add a splash of Coast Guard spirit by including words from “Sea Legs, the Coast Guard Glossary” and more:

Set Your Timer for 7 Minutes

Start Writing!

Don’t Think About it, just do it!

Ahoy mates! What’s a celebration without a rousing rendition of the Coast Guard Anthem? & a Coast Guard movie?! Semper Paratus!

Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 1900 days ago. Now we take turns creating prompts to share with you. Our hope is that creatives—children & adults—will use our prompts as springboards to word play time. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.

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