The Pirates of Wales
The Challenge ~ The Milford Haven Harbor shielded Wales
from pirates making merchant ships their prey.
Her ports have cradled many from the gales
and swaddled sailors as her pirates play.
The Irish and the Celtic Sea are veils
for pirate rogues unleashing disarray.
Upon the waves each plunderer assails
thus, seeking out each subjugated stray.
The "Deft", a barque where buccaneering dwells,
has pilfered one too many in the fray.
The Prince of Wales is badgered by the rails
of subjects pressing bane to go away.
For those who question who shall own the sea,
will soon be answered by the fearless “Spree”.
The Chase ~ The "Spree" is of the finest that avails
to always keep the pirate ships at bay.
Her pedigree for sailing soon prevails
when cries call out for her to save the day.
As savage winds enrage her mighty sails,
all full ahead she parts her harbor stay.
Her ballast stones hold true through rising swells;
no finer souls have e’er put under way.
Her foe, the "Deft", held many scoundrel tales
in boast of treasures gathered underway.
She’d loot a craft whose measured swiftness pales...
seemed fitting for the meeker ships to pay.
But on this day those spoils are not to be
for destiny says "Deft" must face the "Spree".
The Fight ~ On guard, they meet, but soon the sea rebels,
they tack and jibe in time to death’s ballet,
and once in range, each send their cannon shells
to find their targets in this last foray.
The cresting breaks resound the bellowed wails
from angry grinding waves and thrashing spray.
The "Deft" is doomed and soon her rigging fails...
a starboard roll would be her last display.
The mighty "Spree" rang eight the count in bells
to honor all who perished in dismay,
then slowly sank to join her pirate quells
in sodden slumber ‘neath the Longoar Bay.
We sculpt the hero heart in effigy
but heroes gain no mercy from the sea.
Copyright © Mark Massey | Year Posted 2025
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