The Sea Inside

When I awake this morning,

The warm, slow Sun rising

Will burn away the mist...

I feel the dark, blue sea!

My wind the filling sail,

My soul the blowing wind,

My blood the salt water.

I hear the crashing waves!

Then, soon, gone as it came,

I am there, a moment...

Between rest and awake,

The world, the sea inside.

Yet, I still taste the spray!

My old, broken body,

My lost, struggling mind,

My pain troubled being.

Yet, I still touch the wheel!

Breathing slow, I stand the heave,

The swaying wood deck creaks.

Sheets whip and crack above...

Hold strong, hang tough, hold fast!

I smell tar, tobacco!

My gill cup hangs a'hook,

My blade on lanyard be,

My feet bare, gripping firm.

I see my shipmates smile!

I am back again there,

Before the mast, turn to!

Second star to the right...

A tall ship, brass compass.

I know my vessel, true!

My wife, the deep ocean,

My mistress, woman sweet,

My love, the horizon.

I want more rum, and stew!

I left my marks, she too!

Come about, watch the boom,

Stand by the braves, quick!

To the topsail, lively!

I dream of home, warmth!

My vision dimming now,

My mem'ry laden full,

My time, sand running out.

I lay, precarious!

There is a storm ahead!

This course I cannot hold.

Caught in irons, locked!

Waves crash! Mera's chill wrath...

I focus hard, once more!

My family, the crew,

My crew, the children,

My song, sings loud to me.

I let go, ride it out!

Tumble towards rocks, shore,

In crisis, but the helm holds!

Sturdy, the oak was,

Woven fate and canvas.

I am awake, beached!

My life, a voyage long,

My heart tried, true, and bold,

My pain, joy, and pride earned.

I long for what I was!

Land, unsteady underfoot,

Trees, hills, mountains... still.

Livestock, dogs, horses, goats, too.

A Jack's labor to do!

I gaze at the bright stars!

My reward, apple trees,

My future, buzzing bees,

My place, here in the valley.

I watch the flags flutter!

The sea inside remains,

I go there 'tween day, night,

Far places... odyssey!

Yes, they will wait for me.

I am ready to shove off!

My trunk waits, packed and ready,

My tiller hand grips firm,

My cap cocked, jaunty grin!

I won't die a dry death!

When I sleep this night,

The silver moon setting,

Will turn the tide homeward...

-- J.R.H