Sea Storm Poem by Anthony Burge

The sky was torn, white light shone through

Backlit horizon lit sea askew

Rumbling thunder through black cloud blossom

Saltwater sighed as the sea played possum

Our vessel ploughed through thickening swells

The wind swept rain brought briny smells

White caps were torn from the black seas skin

As movement surged forward within

With wind abeam and swell abreast

Our craft was tested upon the crest

The waves stood up shunting our hull

Down we plunged twixt glacial lull

Perched low on bow a lonely bird

no feathered friends with which to herd

Beaky head tucked chin to chest

The sea soaked air a pungent zest

A spray of baitfish erupts torn sea

Blue metal backed Tuna launch after flee

The wind it growls a ghostly moan

Pushing our little boat towards home

Up pinnacled precipice, down gaping gorge

Our bow punched through the rolling forge

Wet timbers awakened sighs and creaks

The deck awash and the wheelhouse leaks

Stinging horizontal rain

Pull’s into station steaming train.

Thunder, lightning, drumming sound

Our little boat is jetsam bound

I fear not the sea she calls my name

For I stop here, with her I’ve lain

Was always going to end out here

Far from home but oh so near