Starboard
By socialeaf
- 212 reads
I’m almost curious enough,
to for once and for all,
find out what the word
"starboard"
actually means.
I know it's nautical—
a piece of oceanic jargon,
that once learned
would mean a plodding
left,
right
or part of a ship.
But left alone,
it twinkles;
It smells like the sea;
it’s adorned with snakey tentacles and kelp
and rocks tantalisingly out of reach
on currents and waves.
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Comments
Yes! I know exactly what you
Yes! I know exactly what you mean. This is brilliant!
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Seems almost onomatoeic of
Seems almost onomatoeic of clear skies and oceans, rather than the mundane workday side of a boat! Rhiannon
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Anchors aweigh!
The word 'starboard' was originally 'steerboard' and originated in the times before rudders were invented. Instead they would always have one extra big oar for steering purposes which was nearly always fixed in place on the deck (or boards) on the right hand side (or starboard side) of the vessel.
Long ago when I worked on ships I would paint my port (left) working boot red and my starboard (right) one green to correspond with the ship's lamps so I would always know which boot to put on which foot.
I love those old nautical terms, many of which are still used in modern every day life without us realising it.
Turlough
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