Pressgang Poems

Pressganged

I was walking home from the inn one night
Along the cobbled streets home to my wife 
Ten sailors' jumped out and gave me a fright
They had coshes' and I feared for my life.

I felt sharp pain on the back of my head 
It went dark and I fell down on the ground
Before I passed out I was full of dread 
Another victim the pressgang had found.

Next morning I woke tied at the ships mast
The main sail above me flapped in the breeze 
An officer said "you'd better learn fast 
You are the kings now so him you will please".

I  looked over the side, we were at sea
Freedom I once had was taken from me.

                           ~

Written on 24th November 2018.