Lost Treasures

How did a decent lady like me end up here, anyway?
The only girl aboard a ship of unsavory men.
The last thing I remember was sipping a glass of wine in a tavern.
Then, when I awoke, I was at sea, 
on a vessel, and surrounded by pirates.
Shanghai'd, I think they call it.
For what purpose, I do not even want to think about.
However, I found that out rather quickly.
Then, I learned something else.
A sharp cutlass and a loaded pistol are a girl's best friend.
I am hardly the damsel in distress, for I can take care of myself.

There is one thing on board this ship 
that I do not mind thinking about.
The captain, or so he calls himself.
My gaze often finds him, though his never finds me.
Only when he is giving me orders.
I have been entrusted with the helm of this vessel.
While he stares off into the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Perhaps, planning our next heading.

The seas are strangely calm at the end of this day.
The sun is half way sunken below the horizon,
making the usual aqua-blue waters glow a golden-orange.
I stare into the dark eyes of my pirate captain,
they reflect the sunset, and shine like the gold of a doubloon.
His eyes are a lost treasure that I hope will find me.
I would trade all of the hidden treasures in the seven seas,
just for one look of those eyes.
Rubies, rare pearls, sapphires, 
even gold cannot entice me more.

I leave the ship's wheel to make my way 
down the wooden steps to the empty deck. 
And, I ask him if he has our next route mapped out.
The captain leans against the ship's rails,
looking down as if contemplating.
He slowly turns his head, 
and looks up at me with those enchanting eyes.
Then, he gives me that mischievous half-smile....
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Mays Avatar
February 18, 2018 at 8:26 PM
Wow, this is certainly different! I like it. What a fantasy; what a story!
Deschler Avatar
March 18, 2018 at 7:51 PM
Thank you once again, Carol. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one :) I wanted to do something different with this poem and show another side of me, one that rarely comes out in my poetry... I just let my imagination go and I found myself writing this fun, romantic fantasy story! ... I am a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean films so I think that also inspired me a lot :)
Roper Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 8:09 PM
Wonderful write, love the maiden being strong a 7 Hugs Eve
Roper Avatar
September 12, 2015 at 8:10 PM
It did inspire me after I had already submitted my poem. Now I feel very foolish over mine but that is ok because I'm inspired to write another one hugs Eve
Deschler Avatar
September 12, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly on this poem, Eve. I hope it inspired you to write for my contest. I look forward to reading all of the entries!
A   Avatar
March 22, 2015 at 10:38 PM
KELLY, Congratulations on your awesome win. Thank you for participating in my contest. Stop by my latest blog "POETS" if you'd like. Enjoy the win and honorable mention. <3 <3 LOVE LINDA <3 <3
Bovee Avatar
January 10, 2015 at 8:23 PM
I really dig this, like a story , kept my interest, very cool
Deschler Avatar
January 14, 2015 at 8:28 PM
Thank you so much, Jeffrey. I really appreciate your kind comments. I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Chabriere Avatar
December 23, 2014 at 1:51 AM
Hope a good journey for you ...
Deschler Avatar
December 27, 2014 at 5:55 PM
Thank you, Rene. The journey of writing this poem was a very enjoyable one!
Yvonne Avatar
November 12, 2014 at 5:37 AM
I absolutely love this write. It feels like one is reading a much longer short story. Poetically you fit in so much in this very compact form. Fav.
Deschler Avatar
November 15, 2014 at 11:19 PM
Thank you so much for faving this one, Maurice. I had fun writing this and just letting my imagination run free. I am happy that you've enjoyed it!
Horne Avatar
November 9, 2014 at 1:58 PM
love this clever romantic write. Thanks - enjoyed your ghost contest : )
Deschler Avatar
November 12, 2014 at 1:05 AM
Thank you very much for your kind comments, Jack. I'm glad you've enjoyed the poem and my contest. Thanks for entering! :)
Dietrich Avatar
November 8, 2014 at 9:53 AM
ohhhh, this is very clever. Builds to a satisfying conclusion, the hint of romance in the air. Kelly, I came here to tell you something because I just read a blog of Deb's that led me to see some of Chan's last poems and I noticed you were one who was his friend. He has passed away. Go and read Deb's blog where you can get a link to his page for signing condolences. It is very sad news. I feel bad that I did not get much interaction with him. I hope he knew I liked him.
Eastman Avatar
November 7, 2014 at 5:10 PM
Ah... The story builds beautifully! Loved that ending!
Deschler Avatar
November 11, 2014 at 2:27 AM
Thank you, Carol. I'm so glad that you've enjoyed this. I had a lot of fun writing it!
Zerbst Avatar
November 6, 2014 at 6:53 PM
This is stunning, Kelly! Free verse so good it needs no poetic devices. I am awed by your crystal clear description the whole way through.
Deschler Avatar
November 11, 2014 at 1:55 AM
Thank you, Isaiah. Those encouraging and kind comments mean so much coming from you!... I think it's fun to write with this kind of freedom sometimes, and not have to worry about rhyme.
Bordner Avatar
November 6, 2014 at 2:32 AM
Perhaps you are in love with the pirate Captain because he can give your repressed desires a future in passion. Maybe in him you see, you sense, a portion of yourself, commanding destiny Kelly...you make it so easy to be there, you make one so eager to share the adventure. Awesome romance! J.A.B.
Deschler Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 1:35 AM
Who wouldn't love someone like that, Justin? Being given the freedom to love openly is a precious thing. A thing to treasure.... I don't write these romantic poems too often, but I wanted to do something different. I'm happy that you've enjoyed it, Justin! Thank you very much!
Mcdaid Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 2:21 PM
really delightfully beautiful piece kelly excellent pen dear friend
Deschler Avatar
November 9, 2014 at 12:32 AM
This really was a fun poem to write. I'm happy that you've enjoyed it, dear friend. Thank you so much!
Callus Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Very entertaining, Kelly. I can well picture this damsel with pistol and cutlass who appears to have settled down well on the ocean waves. I think that she'll be getting what she's after...that mischievous half-smile is very encouraging! top rating for you. hugs // paul
Deschler Avatar
November 8, 2014 at 1:03 AM
Yes, I think she will be. A smile is always a good sign!... I really do appreciate your wonderful comments, Paul. Thank you so much! Hugs :)
A. Sharma Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 6:41 AM
Such a beauty Kelly ! Bravery comes alive here amidst the dangerous ones! Great work!
Deschler Avatar
November 7, 2014 at 1:44 AM
I appreciate your kind comments, Dr. Upma. Thank you very much!
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 2, 2014 at 11:03 PM
How appealing and enchanting is your poetic story...I wanted it to go on...! Brilliant writing Kelly!
Deschler Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 11:37 PM
Thank you so much! I wanted to write something a bit different and just tell a story with this poem. I'm so glad you liked it, Connie!
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