Oceans Await

OCEANS AWAIT Away from the dockside and into the bay Heading out to sea in this steel hulled ship Powered by team, yet with masts and sail A fast and safe journey is as the Holy Grail Carrying passengers, cargo and some mail Into deep ocean waves we will rise and dip The dark grey skies suggest a difficult day Driving rain signals our Southern prospect A morning of growing passenger disquiet Noon watch sounded by a tolling of the bell The North Atlantic has some secrets to tell Building up its strength in its powerful swell Several weeks of an increasingly limited diet The ocean presenting its unforgiving aspect Equatorial waters offer a welcoming respite Finally, some warm and gentle winds at last Yet still the storms can make an appearance Even when predictions suggest it’s clearance Never a firm favourite of sunshine adherents A good time to ensure all cargo is made fast And experience how the day turns into night The South Atlantic is an unpredictable ocean Way down past Africa’s challenging long coast Rounding the Cape and another leg to the East Perhaps taking one more week or two at least But the deep churning swells have now ceased Approaching Perth early, the Captain will boast But arrival is met with much relief and emotion