One day the fisherman in port noticed a new sailor had docked his ship, and soon recognized him as a well traveled adventurer who had seen many hard and dangerous times. So they stopped by his berth and invited him to join them for food and drink, but he politely turned them down, apologizing "I must attend to my Ship".

Each day, they would again visit with the same invitation, and each day he would reply the same as well, and return to caring for his ship. He would clean each fitting and panel, though often in absentminded order. He would repair the most miniscule damage, sometimes grimacing or even cursing when the work was frustrating or difficult. He would check and recheck every piece of rigging, sail, and hawse, though it was often with bleary eyes, swollen fingers, or dry throat. But the fisherman noticed he would still continue without fail no matter how insignificant or how daunting the task, performing each equally as if his very life depended on it.

Finally, one man could bear the curiosity no more, and stopped again to question the adventurous sailor who tended his boat to the exclusion of all else. "Why do you fuss over your boat so?" he asked, "I hear you have braved the most vicious storms at sea without fear, navigated to treasures that eluded entire fleets, and parlayed, bluffed, or fought your way to win over each threat that ever confronted you. You are truly a man of fantastic deeds, and I and my friends await with bated breath the tales of your adventures!"

The Sailor at last paused in his toils, and spoke. "How little you understand of life", he replied, "for I am merely a man – it was all The Ship." The fisherman was truly puzzled. "How do you mean? It is just a simple boat, nicely built, but far from something of legend".

A look of utter contempt fell over the Sailor’s face, and his chest swelled with pride. "ALL that I have ever done or been, was because of my Ship. When storms lashed at me with seas as high as mountains, the warmth of her cabin sheltered me and kept me strong, as nothing else could. When I sought treasures in the darkest coves or isolated island, it was the guiding compass of my Ship that kept me on the right path, the reliable sails and wheel that brought me safely past reef and shoal with the prize aboard. In every battle, the steady deck of my Ship beneath my feet made my aim sure and True. Every brave moment, every bargain struck that brought me fame, friend, and fortune was done ONLY because my Ship was always there to solace my wounds, and secure any thoughts or doubts I had of those trials."

The Sailor ran a loving hand along the deck rail, then walked away – "Whatever I am, I am because my Ship has made it possible – without her I am nothing but an ordinary Man."

I will always love you, Sweetheart – you are, and always have been my strength, my heart, and my life. You are My Ship, and without you, I would truly be nothing.