Up on the bridge he stands,
facing the far away coastline
countering the rolling sea
with a wide footed stance.
And he revels in the rush
the sun, wind and sea always bring.
He watches the barge
spin along in roiling waters
and considers her value
with a satisfied smile.
She’s a wisp of a lady
compared to a schooner,
no elegant beauty catches his eye.
Yet he chose her, filtered her out
from among those other coasters,
she stood out like a shark’s fin
among playful dolphins,
with the speed, fine lines
and sturdy construction she displays.
Her holds are filled to the brim
with grain, oils and spices and
she shoulders the weight with ease.
He will soon own her,
hold her under lock and key,
a fine asset she will be.
Pulling up alongside the little lady
he observes his men
as they throw the grappling hooks,
sun reflecting on drawn blades
and above him the Jolly Roger
billows in the salty wind.
October 2, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Wow! Really packed with clear images and movement. Really enjoyable.
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October 2, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Thank you.
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October 2, 2016 at 6:29 pm
What a clever use of metaphor which seems to sail full circle to your vivid title
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October 2, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Really nice piece!
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October 2, 2016 at 7:45 pm
Thank you.
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October 2, 2016 at 7:48 pm
You are welcome!
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October 2, 2016 at 7:25 pm
and considers her value
with a satisfied smile.
I really love this line and I love the personification of the boat! Elegant writing and it really does have exactly the right mood and rhythm
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October 2, 2016 at 7:46 pm
Thank you.
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October 2, 2016 at 7:25 pm
Great stuff. Grabbed my imagination. Being of law-abiding persuasion, I would like to see the hatches open to the emergence of an overwhelming anti-piracy force – he has been set up.
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October 2, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Thank you. Well, maybe next time the noble Admiralty will come to the rescue. We’ll see…
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October 3, 2016 at 4:21 am
We each see in different ways. Pirates look deeper and can see the beauty and value inside these fine ocean girls. What a great poem N.C.
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October 3, 2016 at 5:03 am
Thank you.
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October 3, 2016 at 10:09 am
Great fun! Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.
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October 3, 2016 at 10:16 am
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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October 3, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Absolutely brilliant! Aaaagh!
My Whirl is called Marion
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October 3, 2016 at 3:35 pm
Thank you.
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