Tall ships and white sails heading in the evening breeze,
Majestic rolling, lilting on blue sailing seas,
Voyage into the setting sun’s gaping expanse,
Where mystic stars and waves do shyly greet and dance.
To dwell where dark mystery of the deep endures
Landlubber I do wish somehow I might secure
A berth on these and fly with steady falcon’s wings
Into the sky light on a mast that sways and sings
With pirate tales of secret treasure troves galore,
Though buccaneers I’m told, steal ladies’ hearts no more.
How sad that even privateers with time grow old
No longer range the shrinking main to search for gold,
But rather sit in silence lusting for the past,
For men like ships with age, retire in grim contrast.
Yes pirate sloops died long ago in empathy
Like wanderlust that wanes for lack of sympathy,
While all that’s left are wistful sounds by seagulls made
Reminding us that once in time, adventure played
A melody upon the currents of the wind
And frolicked on the swells like a school of dolphin.
Hoist winch cast leaden anchors of the mind away,
Set sail for glory that recollects another day,
Embrace the basic elements of earth and sky
And on the seas of life, your fighting colours fly.
Claire V. Bogdanos 