Watching and Waiting

My sailor has gone back to sea
Without a backward glance for me.
Though I begged him not to sail away
He promised he’d be back some day.
He held me in his brawny arms
And praised me for my many charms.
But all the time ‘twas plain to me
He was being lured back by the sea.

Refrain:
My sailor boy, my sailor boy,
My love for you is strong and true.
I tried so hard to keep you here.
Your mistress is the sea, I fear.

I stand beside the briny shore
And worry that he’ll come no more.
No other lad appeals to me,
I want the one who’s gone to sea.
At night I lay me down to sleep
And pray he will his promise keep.
At morning’s dawn I take my stand
And watch for his big ship to land.

Refrain:

My mama mocks me with a snort,
“He has a girl in every port”.
I tell her that I’ll wait for him
Until I’m old with eyes gone dim.
If I should die before he comes,
Then ring the bells and beat the drums.
Please shed a little tear for me
And send my body out to sea.

Refrain


Written April 13  for Cyndi's Pub song contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Omara Avatar
May 23, 2013 at 7:07 AM
Fine pub song, Joyce. Congratulations on your win.-Red
Oyewole Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 9:07 AM
Excellen! Congrats on your fine win Joyce. AO
A   Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 9:15 PM
Hi Joyce, Congratulations!! a very xool pub song poem... it was a joy coming back here to read all of Cyndi's expression of raising the roof winning poem... hugs and more hugs.. :-) ~ Linda
Gildersleeve Avatar
May 16, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Joyce a fabulous poem for this contest. Congratulations on a well deserve win. Warm Smiles, Connie
A  Avatar
May 15, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Joyce, the poem sounds like fun. Congratulations with your pub song. ~SKAT~
Macfarlane Avatar
April 15, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Joyce, a touching and endearing write! Best wishes for the contest and for you too. Hugs
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 6:14 PM
Dear Joyce, this poem moved me with its emotional tug on my heart. I dated a sailor in my youth. He sailed away and l never saw him again. I still have the beautiful blue watch necklace he gave me, and l often remember him, especially when l see a ship dock. You write with such feeling.
Fisher Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 2:14 PM
Nicely done. I didn't see the 'mama's advice' coming, which made me wonder from then on in...but she does seem certain.
Jones Avatar
April 14, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Lovely Joyce.
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