A Ghostly Tear

`

O’ crooked branch and magpie’s claw,
yon rusted chains a’ sway this night
Clutch tight a sign “The Seagull's Squall”
of splintered wood and storm clouds fight
Old tavern lone this craggy shore
where angered waves accost the sand
and drenching rains from heavens pour,
whilst thunder boasts its loud command

On creaking stools with painted legs
'long the bar, a gathered crew
Expected flow from aging kegs
a frothy crown this lagered brew
Fills tankards held of one now gone
'midst pewter death in golden ale
In drunk'n stupor sorrows shown
lost at sea, his soul last sailed

Watching cloaked of shadowed mist
in darkened corner, lingered smoke
O’er long goodbyes on echoes twist 
and couraged voices soundly spoke
Weaving tales a' journeys past,
voyages beyond the deep
Ports o’ call and forth day cast,
of treasures that abound to reap  

When one, a glass above his head
beckons silence, moments slow
Respect, our mate now swallow'd dead,
entombed within the depths below
Then hearty cheers and farewell speak,
this touching scene if one would be
A ghostly tear now falls my cheek,
this fallen mate they cheer is me
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Goldsmith Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 10:31 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a creative/fun~~story/write. Love it. Have a blessed autumn day
Logan Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 11:58 AM
That was quite a tale, Chris. Congratulations on its win.
Green Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 6:31 AM
Thank you Jenna, happy you liked it
Kauffman Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 10:44 AM
Very impressive Chris. Full of poetic images and creativity as you hover above the scene. Congratulations on your win. All the best.
Green Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 6:31 AM
Thanks so very much Sam
Thompson Avatar
November 11, 2019 at 4:17 AM
One of the best poems I have ever read Chris! Straight into my Faves! I was not expecting that last line. This is a poem I will certainly read over and over. Best as always...Ron
Green Avatar
November 11, 2019 at 8:10 AM
Thanks so much my friend. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one so much.
Perrin Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 9:59 AM
This is a fantastic write Chris! I’ve read it a few times. I love everything about it but especially the twist in the tale :-) x
Perrin Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 2:27 PM
Aww thank you Chris :-) x
Green Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 10:11 AM
Thanks so much Elaine. That means a lot coming form a talented poet like yourself
Cholt Avatar
October 12, 2019 at 6:57 PM
Excellent poem. Very fluent writing.
Green Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 10:10 AM
Thank you so much. Sorry for the late reply, I never saw this.
Deschler Avatar
October 12, 2019 at 1:45 PM
I enjoy a good ghost story that is told well and this one was no exception... I really like the rhythm and rhyme of this poem, and it's final twist, which I did not expect... Excellent work Chris!
Green Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 7:49 AM
Thanks so very much Kelly. I am thrilled you enjoyed this little ghostly tale. I appreciate your kind words.
Mcintosh Avatar
October 11, 2019 at 10:18 PM
Such an impressive write. I just love it so. Your words are always amazing me and I wish you love and prayers, Gina
Green Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 7:48 AM
Thank you Gina for all the kindness you show me.
Adams Avatar
October 11, 2019 at 6:38 PM
a man of many talents you are...this was an amazing write...like a write out of the days of old when pirates plagued the seas, chilling ending but very well penned my friend...:) hugs
Green Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 7:48 AM
Just trying something a little different. Trying to get my sea-legs. : ) Thank you Sandy. I am glad you liked this one.
There Avatar
October 11, 2019 at 6:12 PM
Aye, matey, ghostly indeed ~ no more pillagin' and plunderin' for ya ~ and no more booty, ya poor lad... lol ;) This was an amazing piece of writing with language that felt perfectly in sync with the times and people you were trying to portray! Epic, my friend!!
Green Avatar
October 14, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Arrr, that made me smile. Thank you my friend. Your nice comments are always something that touches my heart.
Sands Avatar
October 11, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Wow, an amazing poem Chris. Worth reading more than once too. Well done! :)
Green Avatar
October 11, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Thanks so much my friend. Just trying something a little different. I decided to show a darker side with this one.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace