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



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Date: 5/21/2022 7:42:00 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
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Date: 11/12/2021 10:59:00 AM
Childhood. :) Thank you for creating such a wonderful poem. Congrats on your placement.
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Date: 11/11/2021 10:39:00 PM
Beautiful long poem. Congratulations!
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Date: 3/8/2017 1:06:00 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!
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Date: 4/20/2016 7:37:00 PM
Adult and children's versions together as one. Fitting nostalgia.
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Date: 6/7/2015 3:13:00 PM
What a delightful poem! What talent you have, Carrie -- so glad you are making use of it!
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Date: 10/5/2013 6:40:00 AM
Congratulations on your great win....
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Date: 9/29/2013 7:49:00 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!
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Date: 9/29/2013 11:05:00 AM
Excellent, Carrie. Well deserved win. Kudos. Thanks for you comments. luv, Ralph
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Date: 9/28/2013 5:58:00 PM
"Tomorrow he'll be where the eagles fly free"! very nice penned, Congratulations
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Date: 9/28/2013 2:24:00 PM
Great memory artfully penned...Congrats on your winning work..Sara
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Date: 9/28/2013 1:47:00 PM
Carrie, love your winning poem......... LOVE ~SKAT~
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Date: 9/28/2013 11:10:00 AM
Beautiful write ! Congratulation's on this winning poem !
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Date: 9/28/2013 7:04:00 AM
Congrads. You mixed the tree and the ship well. So well that I could surely tell that he is beloved.
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Date: 9/27/2013 7:33:00 PM
Hello Carrie, this is a very nice poem, Congratulations on your "Beloved Poems" win. xox~ LINDA
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Date: 9/27/2013 7:20:00 PM
what a wonderful poem and honor to your grandson, who deserves to be honored for serving our county....congrats on your win :)
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Date: 7/18/2013 10:40:00 PM
CARRIE, :-). Congratulations, with your awesome HIT in the poet destroyer's contest. Hugs & Hugs** SKAT
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Date: 7/15/2013 9:31:00 AM
A superb tale in rhyme. A fav for me. It should have placed higher. Congrats on your excellent poem. Warm Smiles, Connie
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Date: 7/14/2013 11:43:00 AM
Congrats on your win, my friend. Loved always, bl
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Date: 7/14/2013 1:48:00 AM
who could forget one as delightful as this? Congrats for having it showcased again in PD's contest.
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Date: 7/14/2013 12:07:00 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
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Date: 5/22/2013 9:43:00 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
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Date: 5/19/2013 10:52:00 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
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Date: 5/19/2013 10:27:00 AM
Many congrats to you on your grand win. Excellent! AO
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Date: 5/19/2013 6:43:00 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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123
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