A Walk By My Vessel Poem by Michael John Cook

A sight I admit that has formed many a question in my mind
The abandoned boat on the river
Still tethered, not in use, but secure
It's bright whiteness now scarred with neglect
The constant bobbing of the daily tides
Has left it a pathetic and lowly character
I now wonder if it had ever been anywhere
Had it travelled and seen any different
Than the bank of this brown, mud-strewn river
Imagine it in the prime of its beginnings
The pride one felt as they gazed upon it
The inventor and builder together in awe
I vividly recreate the journeys I wish it to have had
The young couple borrowing it from an Uncle
For the romantic occasion of a picnic with wine
As the boat drifts looking on from its mooring
The happy couple retreat to consummate in the wood
The young poet led on its bow at midnight
Enjoying the inspiration of its silent surroundings
The Grandfather lovingly referred to as Captain
By his worshipping First Mate and Grandson
Not a large vessel by any measurement
Yet able to breath life into a dreamers escape
No engine remains, likely that is, based on its plight
I've not boarded to see for sure, an educated guess, I offer
I admire it from afar and do not long for its truth
What I can imagine of its history,
gives this little boat it's charm
As it floats, sometimes hugging the bank
I long to irresponsibly cut it's ropes
My childlike sense of nostalgia holds me back
So I will continue to grieve over its untold story,
And walk by it time and time again