I dawdled idly down the dock at cockcrow
When my attention was captured by the howls
of an imposing man mustering a frantic crew
from above the decks of an entrancing vessel,
Navy blue body white spotless sails
A masthead extending up to the heavens
Clear and bright azure was the morn
Unaware life shone a light upon us all.
Albeit far from me the commodore appeared
A wise authoritative master, his adventures engraved
On his sun-freckled face were only partially by
A five o’clock silver shadow hidden.
His voice resonated in my veins, an enchanting lure
Guiding my steps toward the wooden gangway
I tiptoed, sneakily hid behind oak barrels on the bay
Scents of macerated grapes.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof inebriated
By the adrenaline rush I keep my silence
Whilst my eyes follow the commodore to the bridge
Hands on the helm a last shout all are at their posts.
A perfect synchrony the ship sets sails
I inhale, winds of grace a pervasive feeling
Lighter and more profound endemic only in the sea,
As the figurehead of the goddess announces
The dawn of a new day.
[Featured painting: The Sun Sets Sail by Rob Gonsalves]