Valor

Valor The captain of the boat held on His fingers wrapped around the rails Never had he seen such swells He knew this night would not end well. The attack was relentless, the waves were huge And he knew his beloved ship named “Valor” who for years had weathered raging storms did not have the strength to win tonight she was old and sinking, the deck overflowing His loyal men, all life-long sailors Reeled and fell as they stumbled about Twenty good men who had served him well Then, looking to him as one they shouted “Captain what orders, what should we do?" His heart just sank for he had no clue. He fervently prayed to the Captain above for wisdom and courage on this dark stormy night It was then he saw beyond the waves An island out yonder, perhaps they could make it! He looked again and then despaired for this was the island where no-one ventured. There were jagged rocks and sharks all around, He loudly cried out : "Great Captain please help!" “Men, he shouted, its up to you There’s an island ahead not too far away You may have a chance, but the life boats are old And I fear this angry storm will claim it Prepare my men, to swim for life And may God help you all, for there are sharks about”. As for me, no more sailing I will stay with "Valor" but may God be with you, and I thank you for your service". It was only seconds but felt like years as twenty pairs of eyes stared straight at him. Then one by one they struggled, kept coming Till close to their captain, his sailors stood by him. He saw in their faces they had made a choice then together they sang their sailor song and as their voices rose as one the winds though fierce could not subdue it. It is said most sailors now avoid that route for sometimes at night a ship named "Valor" is seen and strong sailor voices fill the air and whether the night be misty or clear As plain as day these men are seen surrounding their captain, with a sailor salute. The vision promptly disappears it is said but strong man would swear they had seen the dead.