The sun and seas a jolly cast
As is the sail tied to the mast
And those laggards anchored
Without a future or a past…
Who are they to sink then?
To the bottom of a glass
Without the lowly courage
To weigh anchor, outclass…
Them that is first and last
The oceans fleet of stars.
Who are they to sink then?
Lower than the rank of Czars.
…Should, they not sail the seas
That storm and rage.
Hold—strait the tiller, helmsman
Waves beat my breast a sage!
“God be their maiden-voyage
All in him find harbor.
Set sail loathsome, wreckage!
Oar thy soul to him thy savior”.
Comments
skinner_jennifer | June 21, 2012 - 18:53
This is wonderful Mark, I could almost hear some
pirates singing this, as they work upon the deck.
Sorry I'm getting a bit carried away, but this is
definitely one of my favourites. Just have a thing
for poems of the sea.
Very much enjoyed.
Jenny.
Parson Thru | June 21, 2012 - 19:34
Weather seems to be keeping our boats on their moorings, but really enjoyed this Mark. Feel urged to dryer saltings to boot. Might have one small nip from the flask though!
Mark Heathcote | June 21, 2012 - 22:16
Thanks Jennifer & Parson, I wrote the first 2 lines in this poem 3 months ago getting off a bus in Piccadilly, and came across them again today in my scrap book. It’s funny what quirky words or lines tell us this could be a poem. :)
Might have one small nip from the flask though! lol