by Silva Payne

Created on: May 16, 2008

La Mouette

In the bay at anchor lies a ship
Her masts proud and straight against the clouds
The clink of rigging breaks the silent morn
As she looms from early mist-like shrouds.
She came last night upon the highest tide
From seas that see the heat of summer sun
To pass through gales and creep through calmer blues
And find this port that shelters all who run
Her Hold has silks and finest wines

Bejewelled trinkets boxed and carefully wrapped
Coins and silver, treasures from past times
Golden idols, spices, a cargo of such beauty hard to find
And in this early light the crewmen stir
To start their tasks in Galley and on deck
While in his cabin, a sleepless night has passed
The Captain with his love around his neck
A calmer man in charge you'll never see
His word obeyed with trust and love by men
Who look upon him as they would their brother
A man who is at home with sword and pen
He stands a solid frame with eyes of grey
Reflecting all the colours of the sea
His wit is quick, his laugh as warm as brandy
His heart lies with the woman now asleep
Who spent this past night wrapped in his embrace
And shall return again to harbour side
Before the ship this morn sails on
And leaves the bay upon the ebbing tide
For months will pass yet she will not forget
And he will sail and trade and often fight
Until the winds can bring him back again
And they can share another sleepless night.

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