Traits needed for success

We awoke this morning to the sight 

 Of a dozen or so tiny sailboats 

(At least, tiny from this distance) 

Making their way north 

In the annual Race to Alaska. 

Having interviewed the first women 

 To have won a few years back, 

I now better understand 

 The massive preparations they go through; 

The inventiveness, the courage, 

And collaboration that it takes to be successful; 

And the nature of the challenges 

 These sailors may well face upon their journey, 

And watching them, we wish them Godspeed — 

Just as I would new parents, 

Whose journey lasts much longer 

 But requires those same traits along the way…