Freighter At Sea

When the wind catches the sails at night
And the masts protest with screeching,
Sailors say the ghosts are causing a fright
From deck to crow’s nest beseeching.

The captain already gone below the deck
To spend an evening with a book relaxing,
Is never summoned out of great respect
To return to the helm, his day was taxing.

By dawn the night noises are commonplace
Especially when the sea is a soothing calm,
As the sailors pick up their workday pace
Accompanied by a sea-shanty or a song.

In a week or so the port comes into view,
The crew eagerly plans spending time ashore
To discover in this exotic place what’s new,
Freight unloaded, it is time for sailing lore.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
November 11, 2021 at 10:59 AM
This sounds like it came from the pen of a navy man. Were you in the Navy Hank?
Hankins Avatar
November 11, 2021 at 3:02 PM
Nope, but my father was. I was in the Air Force.
Skelly Avatar
November 10, 2021 at 6:44 AM
Milt, this nautical quatrain is a nice ode to life at sea...Delice
Hankins Avatar
November 10, 2021 at 7:39 AM
Delice, thank you so much. I always enjoy your comments.
Baker Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 5:18 PM
Great description of the life on the sea Milt. Made me feel like I eas right there with them. Very enjoyable read. Bill
Hankins Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 6:29 PM
I love anything to do with the ocean. I love the beach. I can sit for hours and meditate sitting by the ocean...which is what I plan to do come November 16-23, while in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If you notice I'm gone, I'll be back after a week. This will be my second trip back without Deb. I planned it so I would be there on the anniversary of her death three years ago.
Hawkins Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 3:03 PM
Heave Ho! my Hearties..... Can taste the salt and hear the sailors singing!
Hankins Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 3:26 PM
Me too, Shirley. I love sea stories, and I write a lot about the sea and the ocean. Love it.
Hinshaw Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 2:16 PM
A wonderful write, Milt - my kind of poetry. Hope you entered this one in the ship contest - it would certainly rate high! Bob H
Hankins Avatar
November 9, 2021 at 3:27 PM
Thanks, Robert, although I don't think I had a famous ship in mind when writing this.
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