I’ve always been the anchor,

I’ve always been the designated driver.

I’ve always been the one who waters your plants and feeds your fish while you’re on vacation.

I’m the one who stays at home,

While everyone else goes out.

I’m the one who says “have fun,” and then stays home and watched reruns.

And I suppose that’s gotten me by,

Until this Christmas.

When I realized I’ve said goodbye so much, my heart has turned inside of me.

You see, anchors don’t fall in love.

But this anchor did.

And anchors have a habit of holding on a little too tightly.

So when your ship sailed,

I stayed in the harbour,

I waved goodbye, yelled “bon voyage,” but I didn’t mean it all.

What I meant to say when I said “have a good trip,”

Was “please don’t leave, I need you here.”

But anchors don’t always speak so well.

So when that sea voyage made your cellular data fail,

And when you stopped dropping by,

I realized maybe all those words you said last summer didn’t mean as much as I thought.

I suppose it shouldn’t bother me,

After all I get sea sick.

I’m just the anchor that waits in the murky water while the rest are off with Captain Ahab.

And then I started to realize,

I’m the only one this way.

While you’re all off on adventures,

I’m in silt and sand.

Rusty old anchor, too heavy for myself.

Reeled in to be let down again,

Tethered to regret.

Hopes and dreams are not for me,

I’ll watch you all go capture the monster,

And I’ll be here holding the boat steady, when you want me.

Find the treasure chest,

And bring me back a coconut,

Save your mermaids, because after all, I’m just an old anchor in the harbor.

I’m not like the rest of you,

With saltwater and adventure in my veins.

And I love you all like pieces of me, but not enough to make you stay.

Anchors are good when you’re afraid of drifting,

But I found I’m no good for you, when you’re all made to be flying.

I am the anchor, reminding you of home.

I am the anchor, afraid of drifting into unchartered waters.

I am the anchor.

Anchors away.