A Sailing I Didn'T Go
I had won a sponsorship on a sailing ship,
I was ecstatic it was right up my street.
Trouble is, I was to go in hospital.
But I was promised I would be fit, to join the fleet.
I woke up from my surgery
It was over and I wanted time to go faster,
My lifetime trip, I could almost see,
But I was in bed now, and covered in plaster.
For my trip, I waited what seemed an age
Patience, not being my best virtue.
A sailing ship to learn how to sail,
‘You can go.’ Said the surgeon
‘That I promise you.’
Don’t worry you will be up and about
This is what the operation is for.
I promise you will be able to go
Even though, it will still be a bit sore.
They put special lamps on to dry the cast;
I wanted to know how long this plaster will last.
He looked at me and in a voice devoid of feeling;
‘Oh six weeks is needed to repair the bones.’
I cried, and raised my eyes to the ceiling.
‘Well how can I go on a sailing ship? I cried,
I felt my heart was breaking fast.
‘I need to unfurl sails and be able to climb the mast
How am I now, to do this, and sail the ocean blue?
That is the main question that I am asking you.’
‘My job is to make you well;
And necessary if I find it,
I will plaster you from head to foot,
Never mind just your foot and hip.’
‘I say you can go, but up to me, it may not be.
But that’s not my problem, really - in all reality.’
He lied to me to get me in hospital,
My trip was duly cancelled.
I was thirteen years old at the time,
And on this my feelings rankled.
They sent me a photograph of all those on the ship,
It was supposed to make me feel good;
I took it badly at the time,
But then I think any thirteen - year old would.
They may as well have slapped me in the face
As compensation, I thought it a disgrace.
A year passed, I won again, and this time I could go.
I won the “Best Sailor Cup” award,
And I still have it to show.
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