Michael Degenhardt Poet Quatrain

Seafaring Irony

Its course is set by tended wheel
A man of salt stands at the helm
Not led by maps, but stars reveal
The far off island, called King’s Realm

The spray of mist falls fast upon
The rough exterior of this man
With squinted eyes, to see the dawn
The island shows up just as planned

A smile he forms with stogy stuck
This one man crew now sees his gold
He’ll gain fortune, which is his luck
He knew his destiny, it was foretold

But, had he forgotten stories, well
The rocks enslaving the islands wealth
For not many men had lived to tell
Of the pierced ships and stolen health

Alas, an inlet that’s sure to guide
He’ll then cast anchor to make shore
For truth, the riches cannot hide
He’ll take them all, then take more

But, at very last, a wave broke course
A bed of rocks became his berth
When more had come with sounding force
That assured him then of island’s curse

Now, splinters of his ship do drift
As he so watches from the shore
The destruction came ever swift
For lot of gold, he wants no more

A ship is what he wants for sure

♡Like0

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

Vince Suzadail Jr. July 30, 2008 at 8:35 AM Aye Matey, Me liked this one. For an old sailor, this kind of poem is pure fun. Vince

Michael Jordan July 24, 2008 at 11:53 PM Michael - I really enjoyed this story - I think many have found a similar fate over the lust of wealth - God Bless my friend

Robyn Blauw July 24, 2008 at 2:03 PM Well done Michael. He didnt know he had it so good until he lost it. Now he has all the gold he wanted,,,,,,and what is he going to do with it?? Now he has lost his ship,,, that then has become his need. We should all relate to this one. Again, well done.

Angela Crabtree July 24, 2008 at 9:38 AM This could be an excellent idea for a book. Think about it, and let me know when it hits the shelf. The greedy man stranded forever alone. How he learns to become one with nature and writes a book on the isle. Excellent story with moral included. Love, Ivy