Captains View

Captain’s View

Now, as the boat sails again
Its motion soothes the air,
And from the Captain’s chair
I stare into the sea
While sailors hoist the main.
The vee of naval fleet
A formation of birds
A breath of ocean mist
All, I see from my perch.
Then a vast blue sheet
And the sky without words
Full on my face, I smell
The fragrance of the foam;
Feel the bulge of sea swell
Compass set far from home
Glassy water we search
Due west to island shore.
Night falls, we pitch and lurch
Throughout a rainy swirl
Seabirds toss in the storm
Ride turbulent wave form
Like a fast tilt-a-whirl.
Bowed, the storm jib flaps
Steadies the sturdy boat
Land-ho! The bos’un claps.
From Captain’s chair, I gloat.