The Captain's Secret
The Captain’s Secret
By Elton Camp
Captain Johnson was a man of the sea.
On the ocean, there was no finer than he.
The first mate was his best friend
And remained with him to the end.
Each morning was like the one before.
The Captain performed a vital chore.
A brass key from his pocket he took
And opened the door to a small nook.
Inside was a paper, folded and worn.
Which he carefully read each morn.
His lips moved as he silently read.
Its message he renewed in his head.
“To this paper I owe my success.
Its wisdom on my mind I impress.
When I am gone, you’ll have the key.
Read it and you will doubtless agree.”
“Without it, I couldn’t command.
It’s due to these words that I stand.
When I come to retire or die,
You will learn the reason why.”
Captain Johnson, who was so admired,
Became old and wished to be retired.
The mate was appointed in his stead.
With shaking hands, the message read.
Then, the faded words he saw
Caused the mate to drop his jaw.
Of this the Cap’n wouldn’t be bereft:
“Starboard is right, but port is left.”
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