The Pirate's Life For Me

I starts me life as pirate, A grommet before age twelve, Not an ordinary bandit, High sea adventures me delve. With a Letter of Marque in me han’ And the Commodore for me pa! I spends dogwatch near the helmsman, Nerey missin’ me bonny ma. Old salts tell their gory tales, Aye, dogs hanging from the gallows. Punishments for a man who fails Floggings or keelhaul; blood bath follows. Scrimshaw hangin’ ‘round me neck. A privateer by trade, Flaunting booty on the deck We’s the scallywags brigade. Pirateering is me heartthrob. I dreams schemes in the crows nest. ‘bout takin’ swag from an unfortunate swab. I sits watchin’ pa from the crest. Long nines aimed and ready, Jolly Roger on the mainmast, Headway fast and steady, The enemy’s fate forecast. One for all and all for one! Drinkin’ grog an’ eatin’ grub. Werkin’ on the “Morning Sun” Me father at the hub. Davy Jone’s locker, me final plight! Death drifting in me beloved sea – Straightway from the dark of night The pirate’s life for me! © July 15, 2010 Dane Smith-Johnsen