I have sailed the seas of sorrow

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away, and my life has little meaning as I live from day to day.

He was hailed a rugged man by those who knew him well, but here’s a little different story that only I can tell.

He was a kind and gentle man who gave and never took, he sailed the waves off Sandy Shore and a place called Pirates Nook.

From the day I came aboard, I guess I was merely three, when he held me by his weathered hand, and pointed to the sea.

He talked about the endless waves and power of the wind, and praised the ocean as his master, yet temperamental friend.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away, and I remember joyful times when the ship would toss and sway.

He made a lasting promise that he kept until the end, he said he'd call me "daughter", but treat me as a friend.

He was a tough and rugged sailor with a face like coral sand, but he always had a loving smile, when he took me by the hand.

“To the fore then to the aft” he would shout with thunderous glee, and send me to the misty rails before the wind could flee.

My little Crusty Puffin was the name he called me most, It became my special nickname of which he'd often boast.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away, and I remember taking orders with the funny words he'd say.

“Man the larboard spanker and chock the mizzen down,” then he'd pause in making merry at my silly puzzled frown.

“Forward to the cathead and block the windlass stay,” and check the forward gunwale; we haven’t got all day.

More words like "bilge and binnacle", and "stow the forward yawl", he'd taught me strings of seaman’s jive, and some I don’t recall.

"Belay the helm and come about, we'll scud before the gale!"he'd wink, and give his crusty puffin a worthy yarn to tell.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away, and I search the sea for reasons as I live from day to day.

One harsh and very stormy night off rugged Puget Sound, his ship was washed among the rocks, his body never found.

I prayed for days and weeks, then years to see him just once more, my hopes and dreams were always dashed; he never came ashore.

I will never give up hope as I sail the boundless sea, for I am my father’s daughter, this life was meant for me.

The ocean is my destiny, an alluring loving friend, and 'pon the waves I'll make my peace, in hopes my heart will mend.