Red Sky at Morning Light
To See the Raging Main
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
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
Comments (2)
"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.