I Am Anaya Poet Ekphrasis

Notes About The Poem

^{Note:  "Not Nearly Long Enough!" are the words of  President Trump regarding sailors in squalid conditions, (no clean water, broken plumbing, food shortages, unknown port date etc) this after 240 days out at sea! It's a crime, 30 to 40 days is typical between ports.}

The artwork is “Destiny” Oil painting by English Pre-Raphaelite/Romantic John William Waterhouse 1900

Not Nearly Long Enough

Not nearly long enough, a king’s words
what to expect from a tyrant's paradox absurd
making sure not a drop is lost as consumed
she holds the cobalt blue bowl to her lips
a grape tint gauze tied gently around her hips
it tells of an impregnated womb
a farewell toast to the warriors aboard ships
or a drink of what they’ll lack, that and more      
of the destiny a young husband has in store
departing are ships, she ponders them upon the sea
the open book in front of her kept unread
behind her, replacement ships underway, as relief
what has been too long, for any sailor this dread
out at sea in despair of the unknowing, the grief
Of sailors jumping overboard, an S O S ignored
what any wife can’t bear, their king has no empathy
furious are the wives of the lies told
a sword has stricken through the hearts of gold
replacement ships finally, underway to relieve
what has been too long for any sailor out at sea

♡Like2

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

CayCay Godwin August 15, 2026 at 8:13 PM You're becoming quite good+ with this form. As I read, a novel formed in my mind, all the 'ingredients' are there. Dangerous situations, love, passion, fear, warriors, good people, assholes - of course, she'll need a friend whose husband is with hers and must, unfortunately die. My imagination, she wanders. CayCay

Karen Jones August 15, 2026 at 8:29 AM Anaya this is an important write! You give voice to the sailors and their cause. It’s shameful that they are not getting the respect and support with bare essentials met. Great write that I’m sure the families echo. I Am Anaya August 15, 2026 at 8:40 AM ⚓️ prayers for our sailors🙏 you're awareness gives voice as well, lets me know you are real & care KJ. I found this the perfect painting with so much detail. Ty😍

Duke Beaufort August 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM Anaya, very kind of you to write about the plight of sailors (and currently those on the Abraham Lincoln). The ports we use for that region are generally not available and the sailors are suffering terribly. You point out this also affects those at home who wait for them to come back. BTW, I like the blue glass. It suggests sadness. Sending smiles and Tys!!! I Am Anaya August 15, 2026 at 5:27 AM There is so much to express in the painting, timeless isn't it. It gives a sense of classical and romantic elements which symbolize fate, it was donated to the Artists' War Fund to support British casualties. (Boer War). Tyvm, smiling :)

Yann Rolland August 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM beautifully written, the painting is wonderful and inspires me too have a nice week end poet Anaya I Am Anaya August 15, 2026 at 5:19 AM Yann, so pleased you were inspired dear poet. Merci beaucoup :)

Robert Gorelick August 14, 2026 at 1:13 PM I was out 103 days on station in the Gulf of Oman aboard the carrier Coral Sea, (CVA-43) . It was stressful, 30-40 days between ports was considered drawn out. The Lincoln (CVA-71) is on day 210, and Trump says "It's Not Long Enough!" Your poem demonstrates how timeless is the grief of sailors and their loved ones when their fates are dismissed like so much ocean debris. I wish you smooth sailing ⛵️ Anaya! Faving and liked, Robert I Am Anaya August 14, 2026 at 1:26 PM Smooth sailing its been, dear sailor although a slow sink I feel, so much empathy for the USS Lincoln, & the lies we're being told. I found this timeless painting by coincidence as it coexists with my thoughts of the day, & I love how Waterhouse caught the angle of the face, making eyes look inwards!!! Photographs are rare of it. Thank you so much for the fave & Like & especially thank you for your service Robert🫶🏼 💕⚓️