A Dip Into The King's Purse (A Story With A Dory In It) Poem by Neil McGreevy

The sky was black as a hangman's heart
cold mist hung like a shroud
rain lashed down on the windswept cove
from the dark and stormy clouds

Breakers crashed on the stoney beach
a harsh spray ripped like steel
the dory edged the treacherous reef
as the riptide gripped it's keel

Back and forth heaved the savage flow
as it tossed the boat around
the crew held tight to the sea washed rails
as the waves pitched up and down

Oil skinned men came out from the rocks
as the small craft grasped the shore
with fearless grit they fought the surf
until the tide held on no more

The sea drenched crew slumped onto the deck
their perilous task was done
the hard won cargo safe and sound
and the excise boat outrun

The storm raged on as the shoremen toiled
to unload the contraband
then word came down from the lookout point
that the king's men were at hand

A beacon light on the rocky crag
sent news across the strait
the townsfolk dashed along the coast
to help with the precious freight

Stood side by side from beach to ridge
they worked to clear the bay
with hooks and ropes and a chain of hands
they hauled the goods away

As dawn emerged from behind the storm
and with much work left to do
the people met to find a way
they hoped would pull them through

They knew that signs of enterprise
would give the game away
the crown would seize the merchandise
and the town would have to pay

A heavy fine or a penalty
a forfeiture for sure
with land to farm and stock to feed
such hardship to endure

A plan was formed, a strategy
to keep the troops attention
the town would hold a festival
and tax would not be mentioned

They set to work and dressed the streets
in a festive atmosphere
trays of food and jugs of ale
and a helping of good cheer

So when the excise men reached town
they were greeted in good spirit
the baker bearing loaves of bread
and the butcher with his skillet

Children danced in the market place
and jesters played the stooge
the people all joined in the games
to effect the subterfuge

Before too long the hats were off
and ale flowed by the flagon
tales were told of battles fought
of slaying beasts and dragons

As the morning turned to afternoon
with the pageant well in hand
a rider from headquarters came
with news for the troop command

Lights were sighted down the coast
at a well-known smuggling place
so the excise men took up their kit
and they set off at a pace

The townsfolk breathed a happy sigh
as the marching died away
it seemed they would avoid the fate
that had stalked them all that day

The mystery lights from the nearby shore
were a blessing in disguise
or maybe there was more to them
than would ever meet the eyes

So the tired townsfolk went back to work
just the way they had before
but happier to know this time
they had earned a little more

And soon when they enjoyed the spoils
that escaped the revenue
their thoughts would be on a stormy night
and a dauntless dory crew