Ancient Ships

Does your mind ever wanter to a time of long ago?
When the salty air filled your lungs with life force
As the spray of the sea washed the sweat from your brow
And the solid earth was not your foothold of choice?

Do you ever dream the sound of mighty canvas sails?
Whipping windward as the seagulls soar to meet the sky?
The beauty of dark stained mahogany and golden brass rails
The memory of a shipmate's shout, "To portside, whales going by!"

Can you remember the sting of the bloody hands around the sheets?
As your worked side by side with mates to bring the ship about?
Setting a course for far off lands and great adventures to complete
Entries in your diary of exploits, even treasures... did you tout!

Then, there was that storm, a gale which was never seen before,
Force was the "Devils" favor as she approached the black of day
The still calm of the sea behind seemed to be running back to shore
All aboard the Clipper knew what lay ahead and all began to pray!

Immediately the mainsail bellowed as it filled with a furious wind
The Captain shouted, "Trim her tight agains the wind, hold her steady"
Over sounds of clapping thunder and the frenzied screams of men
Do you recall the strength you felt, as the Sea Witch stood ready?

As she listed to starboard, swells cascaded over her slippery deck
"Secure those sheets, release the Jib...Mr. Baker, check below for flooding!"
The Captain's voice, full of the force of God, they would not wreck!
You held your ground and faced the wrath, no time for brooding!

Within threedays time, the storm had quelled, the gulls returned
"A job well done, men, shall be rewarded with an extra hunck of mutton!"
Cheers echoed forth, all knew the heartfelt pride they had earned
Stars were bright that night, a zephyr was free, you were a glutton!

I challenge you to wonder...to ponder that amazing trip...
Were you dreaming, or was that you aboard that Ancient Ship?

-by Geneva Canaday
R.I.P