A crew of explorers gather for drinks, food, and fun. Their voyage begins tomorrow to the great unknown. There is excitement in their eyes. Anticipation in their hearts. What wonders lie ahead of them? Tonight the men will dance, laugh, and drink around the fire. Who knows if they will return to shore. Nature is fearsome and apathetic to any of their sufferings. Will they have the strength to face their greatest fears?
The sun is shining at the Port of Marseilles. Seagulls float patiently in the sky above. The crew merrily pack their bags for the long voyage. The crew carries large bags of oats, rye, and potatoes on board the ship “Inconnu”. It’s a warm spring day in the south of France. The Captain of “Inconnu” is Pascal Dubois. He’s a young Captain at only 28 years old, born in Marseille to a peasant family. Some of the crew are wary of his youth while others confident. Young Pascal is quite experienced for his age, thanks to his many voyages into the Mediterranean and Black Sea. He has dealt with death, heartbreak, and disease over the past 10 years as a crewman. He has fought many battles versus Berber pirates along the southern coast of France. Pascal is on a mission of peace, exploration, and discovery. Optimism gleams from his youthful face even though he has some fear of the voyage into the great unknown of the Atlantic Ocean. Many have taken this voyage but not many come back to tell their tales. Pascal and his crew know the risk they are taking. Pascal’s passions are writing, exploration, and helping others. He would travel the world for free. The crew’s motivations vary. Some dream of new beginnings. Others searching for lost treasure and glory. They all dream of new lands, people, and experiences. Tales of Marco Polo’s adventures painted into their every thought.
Will this be their last breath on land? Will they sink into the darkness of the sea? Time will tell. Pascal’s focus is on this precious moment. He will not succumb to his minds tendency to fear the unknown or be scared by stories of the past. Pascal knows that his crew will only survive if he is mindful of the now. To not be distracted by the obstacles. Pascal vows to enjoy each moment of this voyage and to be grateful for every new adventure.
Every Monday afternoon I will post one new poem or short story. There will be more blog posts about the life and adventures of Pascal.
The Narrow Path 