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Abe
Senior Member

since 2003-05-28

Posts 694
Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end!

0 posted 2003-09-12 12:29 PM

A HARSH MISTRESS

I'd rather be out on the sea
than any place I know.
I long to float on ship or boat
just rocking to and fro.

It's like a balm when it is calm
or when it's rough and stormy.
It helps to ease and can appease
the restlessness in me.

The moon/sunshine out on the brine
is a sight to behold
Of Davey Jones and Captain Bones
great stories have been told.

It can inspire like brimstone fire
one's imagination
Of clean white sands, of far-off lands,
of treasures lost and won.

Tales of ghost ships on fateful trips
of pirates Kidd and Bligh,
Sailing the main -- Indies to Spain --
as skull and cross-bones fly.

A harsh mistress, some would attest,
those who rest in the deep.
Those taken by winds and waves high
are now in endless sleep.

A friend to man and to the land
if She takes a notion,
Though many drowned, shores changed around
by the raging ocean.

Men build (they think) ships that won't sink,
but She's a fearsome foe.
For if Her want, She'll tease and taunt
then send them down below.

Men have been bold since days of old
sailing from shore to shore.
Many were lost, their lives the cost
for thinking they knew more.

ODE TO A HARSH MISTRESS

"Red sky at night, sailor's delight"
A famous seaman's adage
"Red sky in morning, sailor's warning"
A very useful adage

If you don't heed, and you proceed
She may make you believe.
Maybe too late, She'll cast your fate
And those on shore will grieve.

On your tombstone let it be known
"He died out on the main.
He challenged Her, and to be sure,
He won't try it again!"

Del "Abe" Jones

[This message has been edited by Abe (09-12-2003 12:34 PM).]

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

1 posted 2003-09-12 12:47 PM

excellent! awesome format and great theme!

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

2 posted 2003-09-12 02:12 PM

Now I know an old sea-salt that will like the jib of this...hold on, I'm going to go get 'em...

LngJhnAg
Member Elite

since 1999-07-23

Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion

3 posted 2003-09-12 02:16 PM

Yo ho ho - Well written. You left out the verse about plank walking, and how kitties are not safe, but other than that, I loved every line.

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

4 posted 2003-09-12 07:17 PM

A gentle swell, the smell of salt,
of pitch and pine,  of grog and
gruesome gruel.

As dolphins dance and flying fish fly,
as stars do dot the darkest skies.
As land is sensed and dances sought,
as maidens giggle,  an ale is bought.

For of the sea the man is born,
to sail and fight till light of morn.
To take no guff and no quarter give..
To sail the blue,  to live...to live

Beautiful post,  much enjoyed it.
A poet after my heart....

Glad to see you here...

Magnus

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

5 posted 2003-09-12 07:41 PM

Abe~
This is just W O N D E R F U L !
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
- Sufi epigram
[email protected]

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

6 posted 2003-09-12 07:44 PM

Wow!
Much enjoyed the read...wonderful write.
~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~

~ Summer can't be over...
I still have sand in my shoes ~

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