Bluejacket Bon Voyage

I’m un-fouling my anchor chain In this seedy seaport bar. Bid farewell to the tavern rats Who’ll stay rooted where they are. Pull the cork. Tip the bottle back. Take a long soul-warming sip. Feel that heady brew trickle down, Braced and cocked to board my ship. Cobblestones on a dirty street Glisten darkly in the rain. Find my way to the waterfront Down a twisting gas-lit lane. Mooring lines, like a spider’s web, Bind my schooner to the pier. Cast them off with the morning tide, Underway without a tear. Ride the swells of the raging sea Through Poseidon’s fickle realm. Dream of women I’ve likewise tamed With my hands upon the helm. Cross the line sailing far beyond The landsman’s narrow world. Navigating an open course With a pirate’s flag unfurled. And there’s poison in my blood, Poison thick as delta mud. Yes, there’s poison in my blood, But I’m alright. I’ve looted Treasure Island With the young John Silver. Yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of night.