Dream Catcher

The skipper had sailed quite a few storms and survived Strong as a cross hanging over an apocalypse’s altar he Had weathered all seasons and crossed heaven and hell Tempted his fate and good fortune at times but always Guided his ship through currents with weather worn hands Tore through towering waves cryptic waters and lulls It was to be his ultimate journey and he had released his crew From all duties for sometimes a man needs to be on his own ‘You are too old give up the passage you have earned quiet due’ But sea farers can be stubborn and tough as sore cotton sails ‘One final voyage before I surrender I do not know where to’ A rocking chair by the fire place in a sea men’s mission was Not to his taste neither a ticket collector in a maritime museum He would only depict to be the gallery’s most poignant exhibit Dusty and musky in an empty entrance with no queues but online ‘I stared at the stars full moon onto an abyss call me old fashioned' And so he brushed well-wishers and caution to wind and light rest ‘I do not fancy sisters of mercy and for when the wheels come off’ He pondered on the rest home awaiting but my oceans do not wish for Catheters and nappies though the nurses might be crispy and young ‘On my boat I can do as I please and tie these old bones to the mast’ True to his word he encountered rough tides dividing the message Dared to venture forth until the swell offered two unpleasant options ‘I’m on my way it is too late to return there are no gulls to be seen’ ‘Straight forward is nowhere now or never I stand in front of my maker’ The cruise is near over starboard the earth seems to be flat but facing It port side loomed for the lure an underworld apt for Greek legends Just then the ship split in half as the bell splashed downwards for good The compass shed needle and magnet which flew high in the air ‘You must decide left or right mate only you have asked for the omen’ The captain had always been one quick to decide and yet he had to Toss his last golden nugget to help with confusion and deliberate faith On one side an anchor but what little use would that have going to down At the other a flare and a life boat but then who would come to rescue And safety if the planet was not flat packed with disbelief and illusion He needed not a life vest more like a modern rocket propelled parachute The coin rested on the edge with a margin of error and vested its plight ‘Sail on wayward pirate’ the angels kept singing in a chorus of doom 'Take the flap from your eye and face what happens down the chute' ‘This is never land let the Gods decide whether I’m up to ultimate flight’ Just when he opened both lids he awoke from his terror and night mare The eclipse of all suns moons and comets brought him back to his dream He was a light house keeper after all and the bench mark his deck chair His last joyful moment roared in satisfied laughter from a dry jester’s tear