Notes About The Poem

Ghost Ship Omen

Scientists say it’s just a mirage,
but sailors claim the ghost ship floats
in air, with stormy seas below.
Again he tries to round Cape Hope.

Captain van der Decken angered God
one savage 18th Century night.
Vowed he’d sail till “Judgment Day,”
to cross the Table Bay, he’d fight.

The Flying Dutchman disappeared
sank deep in foggy, wind-swept sea,
but the captain’s doomed to walk the deck
each night in perpetuity.

His curse prevails in Wagner’s Opera
and Washington Irving’s story;
crews tremble, ghost ship emerges
Dutchman floats in frightening glory.

So many sailors and their ships
still meet demise on starless nights,
when demons steer the Dutchman
and a vengeful God reads last rites.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Johnson Avatar
June 28, 2014 at 8:29 PM
A great story and win, Carolyn. I remember hearing stories of the Flying Dutchman when I was still a youngster. You did it up proud. Love, Joyce
Mehta Avatar
June 26, 2014 at 9:47 AM
A great story, congrats on the win,
Sietesantos Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 3:46 PM
Carolyn, I enjoyed this fascinating story so well-written! Congratulations on your top win which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. BRAVO!
Smith Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Amazing write, Carolyn.. Makes me want to stay the heck off ships!!... Congrats on a well deserved win.. Hugs, Arlene
Onclaud Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 1:39 PM
a stirring prose, carolyn.. sweet congrats!.. huggs
Callus Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 1:29 PM
First time I'm reading this Flying Dutchman narrative poem. You come out of it with 'flying' colours! Congratulations, Carolyn! // paul
Devnath  Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Congratulation on your win, my friend. Loved and enjoyed your nice one. bl
Dietrich Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 9:37 PM
I seem to recall this. A golden oldie it would be now (like the one I put in the contest too). those are the poems that stand the test of time, CArolyn. Congratulations with this awesome story.
Crisci Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations on your amazing win, Carolyn in Debbie's contest, " Tell Me A Story. " I hope you are doing fine and have a New Year's resolution. Have you received my Soup mail? If you haven't , please check it. Have a blessed day. Hugs, Andrew.
Brown Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 6:43 AM
Congratulations on you win in Debbie Guzzi's contest Carolyn. Love, Carol
Quigley Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 10:39 PM
What a great story Carolyn Well done. Congratulations
Johnson Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 11:13 PM
All the time , the red red wine, enflames of the passion, love without love, is shortened is, the ration,:) xo Don... Great poem , of Ghost ship on the current slips, it's timbers old n grey Captain doomed n cursed, perhaps the first, 2 sail till Judgement Day xo
Ball Avatar
May 6, 2011 at 8:11 PM
hey you? are you feeling better or are you really in bad shape, your my friend and if there is anything I can do to help you just have to ask, I have a mission, a gift that God has allowed me to do, you know that I'm a published author, not a million seller but the Lord works in mysterious ways, Your pen is mighty my friend and this is a very good flow. god bless
Maverick Avatar
April 23, 2011 at 10:59 AM
It seems the sea air is doing you good Carolyn, if this quality is anything to go by! wishing you the very best!
K. Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Very intriguing and gripping tale on the Flying Dutchman you have here Carolyn! Super congrats on your win with this! hugs :)
Puddifoot Avatar
April 22, 2011 at 9:30 AM
congratulations Carolyn on your win with this eerie tale...
Freeman Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Congratulation Carolyn on your honored poetry in the winner's circle. Agape, Moses
Richards Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 2:49 PM
Amazing tale of the Flying Dutchman! You write as if an ancient book of literature was before me! Congratulations on your well done job! (Glad to see you back! :)
Mehta Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Congratulations on the win in the contest of Deb, Carolyn
George   Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 12:15 PM
I love those fantastic legends of the sea as you know Carolyn. I love the way you wove this beautiful tapestry of the 'Flying Dutchmen'. Many congrats on your BIG WIN. Lainie
Brown Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Congratulations on your win in the contest Carolyn. Love, Carol
Fahey Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Nice job, Carolyn! Congrats on your win!! Ellen <3
Horne Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 9:43 AM
Many congrats on your win, Carolyn : ) I knew this one had to be a winner. Did you know that Gert is 68 tomorrow, by the way?
Mannan Avatar
April 21, 2011 at 7:22 AM
Awesome tale Carolyn. Many warm congrats for this terrific write and win.
M Avatar
April 20, 2011 at 9:50 AM
Very nice story. Wish it was longer ...
12
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