Poets logo

Red Sky at Morning Light

To See the Raging Main

By Mark Stigers Published 3 years ago 1 min read
Like
Red Sky at Morning Light
Photo by Gabriel Garcia Marengo on Unsplash

To the old Salt that finds me Bones

I lay a duty at your feet

Have a Priest bury me back at home

So that my Soul will find some peace

I think back and now remember

Before I got so very sick

Of our ship and all the treasure

Of those riches of which to pick

The Neptune’s Trident was ridin’ the blow

And doin’ about fifteen knots

The sunrise was red don’t you know

What was it the Boatswain taught?

Red sky when it is the mornin’

The salty sailors take their warnin’

Red sky when it is the night

Old sea dogs dance in the moon light

By noon we had up the storm sails

And had batten down all the hatches

We had got ready for the gale

As there were close by lightning flashes

The ship heaved, pitched and rolled about

The timbers made an awful groan

They lashed the helmsmen to a mount

So off the ship he would not be thrown

At 6 bells in the afternoon

We started to take on water

By midnight we knew we were doomed

To stay on board would be a slaughter

We’d grab anything that would float

As everyone abandoned ship

The mad Captain began to gloat

Next person who left he would bullwhip

That is when I saw the helmsman

To his post he was still there lashed

He was screaming to the Captain

That there’s no way the ship could last

So then with each flash of lightning

Less of the ship could be seen

Now it was kind of frightening

When the ship slipped beneath the sea

That was over two years ago

There were few who survived the storm

The shores of home we’ll never know

This wretched life is now the norm

Now I lay here with the fever

I don’t know if I’ll see this dawn

I’m just a humble believer

Who suspects it’s time to move on

sad poetry
Like

About the Creator

Mark Stigers

One year after my birth sputnik was launched, making me a space child. I did a hitch in the Navy as a electronics tech. I worked for Hughes Aircraft Company for quite a while. I currently live in the Saguaro forest in Tucson Arizona

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments (2)

Sign in to comment
  • Mark Stigers (Author)5 months ago

    "Red Sky at Morning Light" offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of a maritime tragedy, capturing the essence of life at sea and the perils faced by sailors. The narrative unfolds with a somber reflection on the inevitable fate of a mariner, offering a glimpse into the harsh reality of life on the open ocean. The use of nautical terms and imagery effectively immerses the reader in the sailor's world. The poem begins with a melancholic tone as the speaker addresses an "old Salt" and expresses a desire for a peaceful resting place. The lines evoke a sense of duty and a deep connection to the sea. The reference to a priest and a burial at home adds a layer of solemnity to the narrative, emphasizing the speaker's yearning for tranquility in the afterlife. The vivid description of the Neptune's Trident and the red sky sets the stage for the impending storm. The incorporation of maritime superstitions, such as "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning," adds an authentic touch to the poem, drawing on the rich traditions of seafaring lore. The rhythmic and rhyming structure contributes to the poem's musicality, resembling the cadence of sea shanties. As the narrative progresses, the intensity of the storm is palpable, with the ship battling the elements and the crew facing imminent danger. The captain's desperate attempt to maintain order amidst chaos adds a layer of tension to the story. The helmsman's unwavering commitment to his post, despite the impending doom, adds a touch of heroism to the tragedy. The climax of the poem captures the desperation and chaos as the ship succumbs to the storm, leaving only a few survivors to tell the tale. The poem skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and resilience. The concluding lines bring the reader back to the present, where the survivor reflects on the enduring impact of the ordeal, painting a bleak picture of life after the storm. In summary, "Red Sky at Morning Light" is a well-crafted narrative poem that skillfully explores the themes of duty, danger, and the inexorable forces of nature. The vivid imagery, nautical elements, and emotional depth combine to create a compelling and evocative portrayal of a sailor's harrowing experience at sea. User you mistook the helmsmen he cant leave he is lashed to a mount at the helm and faces looing the ship if he unties himself try again ChatGPT Apologies for the oversight. Thank you for pointing that out. Here's a revised review: "Red Sky at Morning Light" masterfully captures the harrowing tale of maritime calamity, skillfully weaving together the elements of duty, danger, and the inexorable forces of nature. The poem draws readers into the perilous world of seafaring, using vivid imagery and nautical terms to convey the challenges faced by sailors. The opening lines set a somber tone as the speaker addresses an "old Salt" and expresses a poignant duty towards the sea, hinting at an impending tragedy. The plea for a priest to ensure a peaceful afterlife adds a layer of solemnity to the narrative, underscoring the profound connection between the speaker and the maritime world. The introduction of the Neptune's Trident and the foreboding red sky establishes an atmosphere of impending doom. The incorporation of maritime superstitions adds authenticity, enriching the narrative with the lore and traditions of sailors. The rhythmic and rhyming structure of the poem enhances its musicality, reminiscent of the cadence found in sea shanties. The narrative takes a dramatic turn as the storm intensifies, and the ship battles the raging elements. The helmsman's plight, lashed to the mount and unable to abandon his post, adds a layer of heroism and desperation. The captain's attempt to maintain order amid chaos and the crew's struggle for survival create a vivid tableau of maritime disaster. The poem reaches its climax with a powerful depiction of the ship's demise. The survivor reflects on the lasting impact of the ordeal, painting a poignant picture of life after the storm. The narrative skillfully shifts between the past and present, offering a nuanced exploration of the emotional aftermath. In conclusion, "Red Sky at Morning Light" stands as a compelling narrative poem that effectively captures the essence of life at sea, skillfully incorporating maritime imagery, superstitions, and a gripping storyline. The revised review takes into account the helmsman's predicament, highlighting the heroism and sacrifice in the face of an unforgiving sea. ChatGPT

  • In summary, "Red Sky at Morning Light" is a beautifully crafted narrative poem that skillfully combines descriptive language, symbolism, and a first-person perspective to evoke the tragedy of a shipwreck and its lasting impact on the survivor.

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.