A gust arrived without warning, flapping the sails’ limp form,
the first worrying warning sign of a rapid approaching storm.
Grey skies raged wildly above, to form a large thunderhead.
Tonight the weather will be foul, in the way all sailors dread
The old fisherman watched intently, reading all tell tale signs,
for now it was time to head for port, so wound in all his lines.
Black clouds suddenly turned green; a worrying sign indeed,
all the experience of years at sea, he would surely now need.
He trimmed all sails for utmost speed, to run before the wind,
a startled beast in full flight he mused, then defiantly grinned.
The hiss of a hull as it creamed along, were thrills to his core,
his boat with a white bone in her teeth, hell bent for the shore.
Waves were breaking white horses, crests stark frothy white,
The sea rougher as they rolled and broke in the ebbing light.
A wind shift was making and blowing, fine on starboard beam,
it howled in angry outbursts at this sailor who dared to dream.
The harbour lights and leads were shining bright up on the hill,
the wind was still shifting, making progress a test of his skill.
Dead ahead spray dim entrance lights, gradually came into sight,
promising refuge from the storm, nestled safe behind their light.
But the lights were a peril for they were up wind from him now,
tacking was dangerous for the channel was perilously narrow.
Waves stood short and high with wind fighting a running in tide,
the boat rose and plunged on the swells making a perilous ride.
A loud cracking noise sounded over the wind’s screaming shrill,
and he knew a plank had sprung, giving another ominous thrill.
Water sloshed violently around the steep heaving sloping floor,
but he pulled harder on the sheets, as wind increased to a roar.
Tacking often he slowly moved to the beckoning beacon’s light,
split seconds of judgement on tiller made his knuckles go white.
The deck was awash and she sluggishly answered to the helm,
as he started pumping out and entered the harbour’s safe realm.
.
A contest entry
- Tell me a Story by TabbyJoy.
750 points, ended April 2, 2008, 44 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - all the prewrites you want by serenity silvermoon.
600 points, ended March 29, 2008, 150 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The Ultimate Goal by N e a r.
20000 points, ended June 2, 2008, 946 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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Sounds like a close call but I guess sailors and fisherman are up for those kinds of adventures.
jjj
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Phew! I rode out this storm right along with you. Very descriptive and adventurous. I enjoyed this one.
Thanks for entering.
Paul -
Displays a clear understanding of the sea and its perils. Thanks for the entry...lovely imagery.
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A goodly tale ...
nicely written in rhyme that made an entertaining read for me this morning! Thanks for sharing it as I love salt stories and poems!
A fellow Winkler ...
joy
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Another super tale
Great write, Baz, great write. I was hooked from the opening lines. Another extraordinary tale told in your unique inimitable style. Excellent story in perfect rhyme. Superb
Bravo
WD
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Oft have I sailed out over the ocean blue, seeking shipwrecked sailors, then pouncing on them and ripping out their throats.
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Good
your work is indeed interesting to me; the style is different from what I would have done, and that makes it worth the read; good stuff. DW
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Hey Bazza Happy New Year and all that - I love poems about the sea and this was an amazing tale. Although I am sitting here in 30 degrees I felt the cold wash over me when reading this. Great effort here - take care.
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The story, and its possible underlying meanings, make this a great work. You have a perfect command over the language and craft. I am glad that I got an opportunity to readthis poem today. It did communicate a lot with me!
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What a ride!
WOW This is quite the story you have penned here my fine friend
I enjoyed the rhyme and flow also.I'm glad to see he made it in to the harbour
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale, and keep 'em coming!
Don
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well written...!
I liked this! You are not only a good poet but you have the ability to tell a great story! Great work mate!
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