Captain, Captain

Captain, Captain          20^th November, 2015.

Oh, Captain, Captain, better raise your telescope –

That sail on the horizon’s getting awful close!

These dark pirate waters aren’t safe for Good Ship Hope –

They’ll hang all your sailors from masts with dirty rope.

Oh, Captain Captain, don't heed the siren song –

You know in your heart what is right and what is wrong;

You must show those mermaids your soul is staying strong!

That pirate sail will be alongside before long.

Oh Captain, Captain, you may steer too far off course,

Soon end up shipwrecked on far distant rocky shores;

You give out orders as the seas begin to roar –

Fail your crew now and they won’t follow you no more.

Oh Captain, Captain, those sea winds blow terror quick!

Our hearts are sinking and we might abandon ship;

You can stamp hard and shout and even raise the whip…

Push your men too far and this’ll be the end of it.

Oh Captain, Captain, please don’t guard your treasure chest –

Without a just reward your crew won't give their best;

When heading into war don’t put morale to test –

Share out the silver and we’ll fight with renewed zest!

Oh Captain, Captain, your sea dogs are losing heart –

Were those promises you made just lies from the start?

Canons are loaded set to tear the ship apart!

We’ll fight and die for you if you give us our part.

Oh Captain, Captain, ‘fore the ship begins to sink!

Too soon we’ll all be swimming in the salty drink;

Each fighting man is balancing right on the brink –

The storm inside is rising faster than you think!

Oh, Captain, Captain, can you hear the kraken call?

We’ve pirates aboard us and both ships are in thrall!

Death is upon us and it’s getting up a squall;

We’ll give up our ghosts – you put one man before all.

Jennifer Pickup