Sailing the Seas In a Pecan Tree

The wind billows out from the seat of his britches
With determined blue eyes, skinned knuckles and knees
he climbs up the rails nailed from old cedar pieces
to the uppermost yoke of an old pecan tree

He is Captain on board, in pretend salty breezes
From his perch in the bird's nest, the world's in his view
A small town boy, who has never seen oceans
sails a fantasy vessel, where his wishes come true

The tall cornstalks stand duty, in the weedy-field waters
He breaks off a branch and a sword fight ensues..
He says "Tally Ho...Land Ahoy!!" to his crew
Dogs are barking below.  He must shout out a warning
"There are sharks all around, so his shipmates must heed!"

He is Master Commander, the ruler of nations
He dreams of adventure from his loft in the tree
As he watches the clouds sail across a blue sea
Till his mother calls him in, for his suppertime leave
          
                              ~
               Well, little boys grow, and a childhood will fade
               The leaf of the pecan, no longer holds shade 
               Now a stump of the tree, is all that is left
               Yet the memory still thrives, so deep in his breast

               When the weight of the world comes tumbling down
               He visits this place with the stump in the ground
               The rings wrap around him, to take him aboard
               To a ship from his childhood, a place he adored
               
               Tonight he will sleep in a bed of contentment
               From his bunk he will dream he is sailing the seas
               Tomorrow he'll climb up the steps to his vessel
               Tomorrow he'll be where the eagles fly free....


...........................................................................................................
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Ray Avatar
May 21, 2022 at 7:42 PM
this brought so many pleasant memories to my neuropathways....my heart aches for a pecan tree now gone, how i would crush the pecans on the concrete, sit and watch the area swarm with doves, and the trees i used to climb...thank you so much Carrie...you have excelled in the poets labor to touch us deeply
Liguori Avatar
November 12, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Childhood. :) Thank you for creating such a wonderful poem. Congrats on your placement.
Alex Avatar
November 11, 2021 at 10:39 PM
Beautiful long poem. Congratulations!
Lopez Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 1:06 PM
This still gives me chills every time I read this. I love revisiting this poem after many years. like an old friend,we pick up where we left of .... in a good place!
Arnone Avatar
April 20, 2016 at 7:37 PM
Adult and children's versions together as one. Fitting nostalgia.
Binner Avatar
June 7, 2015 at 3:13 PM
What a delightful poem! What talent you have, Carrie -- so glad you are making use of it!
Dey Avatar
October 5, 2013 at 6:40 AM
Congratulations on your great win....
Deschler Avatar
September 29, 2013 at 7:49 PM
A very sentimental and nostalgic poem that evokes many good memories of childhood! A very enjoyable poem to read. Terrific work, Carrie! Congratulations on your win, as well!...Thank you for the kind comments. I really appreciate it!
Taylor Avatar
September 29, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Excellent, Carrie. Well deserved win. Kudos. Thanks for you comments. luv, Ralph
Nusairat Avatar
September 28, 2013 at 5:58 PM
"Tomorrow he'll be where the eagles fly free"! very nice penned, Congratulations
Kendrick Avatar
September 28, 2013 at 2:24 PM
Great memory artfully penned...Congrats on your winning work..Sara
A  Avatar
September 28, 2013 at 1:47 PM
Carrie, love your winning poem......... LOVE ~SKAT~
Rain Avatar
September 28, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Beautiful write ! Congratulation's on this winning poem !
Loving Iii Avatar
September 28, 2013 at 7:04 AM
Congrads. You mixed the tree and the ship well. So well that I could surely tell that he is beloved.
A   Avatar
September 27, 2013 at 7:33 PM
Hello Carrie, this is a very nice poem, Congratulations on your "Beloved Poems" win. xox~ LINDA
Adams Avatar
September 27, 2013 at 7:20 PM
what a wonderful poem and honor to your grandson, who deserves to be honored for serving our county....congrats on your win :)
A  Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 10:40 PM
CARRIE, :-). Congratulations, with your awesome HIT in the poet destroyer's contest. Hugs & Hugs** SKAT
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 9:31 AM
A superb tale in rhyme. A fav for me. It should have placed higher. Congrats on your excellent poem. Warm Smiles, Connie
Devnath  Avatar
July 14, 2013 at 11:43 AM
Congrats on your win, my friend. Loved always, bl
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2013 at 1:48 AM
who could forget one as delightful as this? Congrats for having it showcased again in PD's contest.
A   Avatar
July 14, 2013 at 12:07 AM
Stopping in with smiles.... :-) :-)... Congratulations, Thank you for taking your time and hooking me up with an awesome OLD # 1 hit... I had a hard time choosing the winners... please enjoy my blog when you have time. Hugs & Hugs.... xox~ LINDA
Delaney Avatar
May 22, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Carrie: This is too wonderful.Please thank your Grandson for his service and for inspiring such a marvelous poem Congratulations on all wins. SuZ
Dillard Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 10:52 AM
Glad to see this poem is standing the test of time. Is your son still sailing the seas with the US Navy? Always loving your work.....RAY
Oyewole Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 10:27 AM
Many congrats to you on your grand win. Excellent! AO
Gasun Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 6:43 AM
My big heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved super win and marvelous write my dear friend Carrie! Cheers! Thank you so much for sharing and your congratulatory comments as well. Happy weekend! love lots, Leonora
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