To the anthem of the waves
we sailed the western winds;
time not measured by the days
but by our countless sins,
what prayerful act could redeem
and spare us from our plight
unclean thoughts in evil breed
devoid of any light.
Men composed of marrow bone
and rotting pungent flesh
standing like salt pillared stone
dead weight upon the deck
though at times it did appear
that blood flowed through their veins
with each heartbeat loathe to bear
the apex of its pain.
Would our Captain bargain more
for joy or lasting death?
Memories of oaths we swore
burned pounding in our breast,
and the endless stage of sleep
relinquished in our haste,
chequered words we pledged to keep
now bound us to our fate.
Then the great ship lit the sea!
A thousand lanterns strong!
Whale oil flamed in high degree
in rows from bow to stern,
each man stationed at his task
and worked as duty called,
on this first night none dared ask
the name of him they served.
To be continued...
Captain, my Captain, I have fallen in love with those first 4 lines, they have such rhythm and such flow that I had to pause and read them over and over [I must admit to an envy because I would like my writing to have such innate unforced inner rhythm and glow]- - To the anthem of the waves we sailed the western winds; time not measured by the days but by our countless sins, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Then that last stanza bowls me over, again with the rhythm and the flow. In all these stanzas there is such perfect word choice- -weighty words that seem just right for the age and the scene. I am definitely intrigued! ! ! And impressed. 10+++++++++++++++++
Susan, thank you for your most generous comment. Ah! The Malevolent's maiden voyage, a sight for dead eyes!
Captivating as always, good Captain! You weave a fine tapestry, indeed. Each line traced in skillful composition, satisfying every lover of choice words, of savory yarns, and of eminent poetry. Carry on, good sir, and we will be sure to follow you to the far horizon of your adventures.
WOWWooww...Captain, wonderful and beautifully done...from beggining to the end, love it how you narrated it, the way the story goes like wave in the ocean bring the ship from here to there, move along with wind, , , , i love this
As always Soul, you support me on my many voyages and adventures. Thank you, dear friend.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Outstanding work....thank u