Try

You dipped your blue toes hesitantly,
one foot at a time,
testing the unsure waters
of Evermore.
The waves beat incessantly
the sea was alive with nerve, breath and sinew
Waiting for your departure.

A new land.
Red and white.
Five stars.
Hope, Courage, Promise,
Opportunity and Freedom.

But first you have to conquer-
A pulmonary being- the sea
of self-doubt
where you must drown old flames and regrets.
And unsheathe your unused dagger
clawing away painstakingly at those rocks
Bit by bit, coin by coin-
till you reach the embedded diamond.

First, 2011.
Then, 2015.
Fail. Fail.
Finally, 2017.

Will persistence be finally rewarded?