Watching and Waiting

My sailor has gone back to sea Without a backward glance for me. Though I begged him not to sail away He promised he’d be back some day. He held me in his brawny arms And praised me for my many charms. But all the time ‘twas plain to me He was being lured back by the sea. Refrain: My sailor boy, my sailor boy, My love for you is strong and true. I tried so hard to keep you here. Your mistress is the sea, I fear. I stand beside the briny shore And worry that he’ll come no more. No other lad appeals to me, I want the one who’s gone to sea. At night I lay me down to sleep And pray he will his promise keep. At morning’s dawn I take my stand And watch for his big ship to land. Refrain: My mama mocks me with a snort, “He has a girl in every port”. I tell her that I’ll wait for him Until I’m old with eyes gone dim. If I should die before he comes, Then ring the bells and beat the drums. Please shed a little tear for me And send my body out to sea. Refrain Written April 13 for Cyndi's Pub song contest