the lone sailor spent months preparing

for a solo oceanic voyage 

stripping down the vessel to save weight

stashing food and supplies in every crevice

the departure day was ceremonial

family and friends gathered

news media interviews

hugging and well wishing

finally the boat left port

to the mercy of the winds and currents

intense activity in the first few days

plotting courses and organizing

passing ships became less frequent

settling into a routine

watching the horizon

eating and sleeping

days became weeks

the promised winds disappeared

endless days drifting

progress was slow

suddenly the sea became angry

a massive storm was brewing

huge waves tossed the boat

supplies washed overboard

impossible to sleep

the raging storm continued for days

the main mast broke

exhaustion and fear turned to panic

no longer in control

nature now commanded this vessel

he faced the grim reality

the probability of survival was low