OLD BONES AT SEA

With bent backs, aching bones, and withered hands
We unfurled sail beneath a glorious moon
Which painted you softly on the jeweled night
Your smile glistened as you stood at the bow
Our canvas full we braved a quiet bay
With the barest breeze trailing in our wake
The wind deserted us upon a silken sea 
Furling our sails tight against the spruce mast
We tossed our anchor into a white sprayed splash
Venturing below deck we latched the hatch
Turning up the radio with feisty, rollicking rock
Yeehaw Grandma shrilled this eager Grandpa
As our wood hulled boat shattered the glassy sea
Pitching port and starboard with roll and wrenching yaw
Our ancient bones arose at morn through a popped-up hatch
To find a blushing dawn caressing the sky.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Ashley Avatar
October 31, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Dear David, I enjoyed the feisty and loving spirit of Grandma and Grandpa as they cavorted “beneath a glorious moon” until the “blushing dawn caressed the sky”. Beautiful! Congratulations for your success in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Toney Avatar
October 29, 2025 at 2:04 PM
David, I enjoyed your delightful poem that helps us to appreciate that growing old doesn’t necessarily mean an end to adventure. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 24 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 25 has already started. Only 2 more miles to go before the Qualifiers’ Final Placement contest!
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