A WHITER SHADE THAN PALE
PLACED 3RD : Standard Contest
[Poet’s Note : This is a Signature Poem on this Inventory. I loved the song, melody and lyrics, which inspired poem, since I first heard it as a young child. The single was a gift from my Dad, who was a boatswain-rigger, bought at a London flea market. He brought gifts home from different ports, after each sea trip.
I once used the song to design & create a wedding gown, despite its melancholy tone. The creation received rave reviews from a Regional Fashion Show for which it was designed.
The song itself has layers of meaning & different interpretations, which makes it a powerful source of inspiration. I trust this poem reflects that, with its highlight that species other than humanoid (aka merpeople) do exist, with consciousness.]
<____________________________>
Shadows mingled with the Light
becoming a ghostly frightening sight
as pictures fell from cabin walls
every ship occupant wanted to ball
Storm clouds becoming whiter than pale
miller said it was winter becoming spring
eyes of sixteen sanguine vestal virgins
ignited Chief Mates’ fires to oceanic sing
Swimming by rocks jutting from the sea
flakes of her pale complexion floating free
with winter waters waltzing whales mingle
I became kind of sea sick drinking beer single
Emerging from frothy wave onto ship dripping
mermaid tail flipping with long locks slipping
they scorned her, warned her, tossing sardines
her wish but to sing along, siren from the sea
Hearts and stomachs expanded with violins
coffee hot in mugs with deckhands wanting
fandango, passengers asked for Sebast. Bach
Captain ordered more kipper, cocoa with brandy
Her eyes blacker than coal, whole was her whiter
shade than pale as Captain drank her sea ale regaling, drank of her ale sailing, drank of her ale, paling, a Whiter Shade of Pale, spawning
<________________________>
[Inspired by Song : Whiter Shade of Pale /
Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve (Procol Harum),1967
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