Whale Song

The Curach (currach) is a traditional Irish boat made from animal skins / hides (now canvass). The hides vibrate when a whale sings. Whale Song How gentle the waves lapped the boat almost bobbing me to sleep, My liquid turquoise mattress with its secrets buried cold and deep. A curious dolphin glided past, its snout smiled in its personal joke, As it observed my ungainly presence, (this awkward land folk). My man made curach of pitch, wood and canvass stretched taut. As she masters the sea with courage to return the fish she caught. Now as I lolled towards twilight a strange sensation vibrated the boat, It hummed an angels tune that rippled the canvass, with a glorious note. And there in the distance, a great humpback whale trumpeted the clear air As I sat in heaven blessed company with nature, in the middle of nowhere. The whale approached my flimsy craft with a natural grace that was serene One of the most beautiful creatures that shares this wonderful marine. And so the whale passed by with the gentlest disruption of space, And I think it was amused when he saw the look on my face. I sat there drained yet elated at this wonder I had shared No camera or witness to observe the scene or to have cared But I was there and my soul was touched like a child once again To witness such beauty often befouled by the actions of men. Now as I lolled towards twilight a strange sensation vibrated the boat, It hummed an angels tune that rippled the canvass, with a glorious note.