The Merchant Ship

Deep ocean of azure blue Overhead seagulls circling flew In constant motion, heaving sides The old merchant ship upon it rides Rust scorched it's barnacled coat Salt encrusted railings forever afloat On the horizon's sinking sun's amber glow Beckons enticingly along the flow New moon appearing from out of the west Silvery waves splintering against foamy crest Figures emerging from the hold below Peering skywards at the star studded show Then into action to each their appointed task Some heaving ropes, others mounting the mast All working together to achieve one aim To secure the sails aloft the bounteous main A rumble of thunder and a flash lightening sound Mountainous waves gather pace all around Working in unison the crew now complete All tasks meritorious as a well drilled fleet A shout from the Captain, as the thunder roars Urgently gesticulating "secure the oars" Rain clashing as in sword play Freeze drench they stand As they see the top sail rend Now all secured they disappear down Below decks they ruminate All worrying, no sound Then vocal in assumptions from mate to mate Until the Captain shouts "Silence no need for this din, I shall calculate our bearings, now where to begin?" Spreading out his charts he clears cups for a space Each man concentrating, deep intent on each face "Look Captain", one points "there's the Cape of Good Hope enough time to manoeuvre and with luck stay afloat" The temperature plummets and the crew mill around No warmth except mittens and blankets draped around The storm is abating and two bells is called As each man takes turn to pump until hauled Buckets of water overboard they keep on Clearing sea water over gunnels, until all is gone Ship breaking water all in it's wake No matter the weather only headway to make Dolphins leaping and diving below Thoughts turn to seamen of long ago Royal Navy Standards, a jolly jack tar Plotting each course by the Northern Star Pirate vessels hoisting their skull and crossbones Biting winds moaning and pelting hailstones Sailing ships with elaborate sails Above the wind, sailors hearty hales Anchorage sought and a comfortable berth Homeward port reached and feet on the earth.