SEASCAPE 1……..Island Haven.
Atop the scour-scrubbed timber deck I stand
and gaze across the ocean t'ward the land.
Beyond the rippling waves an island lies
beneath white clouds and sunlit, azure skies.
Soft surf laps languidly along the beach
palm-fringed to where the glist'ning white sands reach.
Around the masthead circling, seabirds fly
white in the sunlight, making mournful cry.
Ah! Would I were a bird to soar the seas
rather than rooted, deckbound, while the breeze
slaps the white sails and sends us scudding fast
to island anchorage; landfall here at last.
A sailor's life is weary, hard and rough
and island paradise is heav’n enough.
SEASCAPE 2…..…...Seafaring.
Just to escape the smell of pitch and tar,
th’ eternal round of rope and hemp and spar,
the endless scrubbing decks, the night-watch stands
or mending sails with raw and frozen hands.
Or, leave the sound of grinding timbers, strained;
the creaking capstan and the anchor chained,
the flapping sail, the crack of windblown sheet,
the whine of icy rigging, rain and sleet:
The howling gales and towering waves that pour
their deluge over decks with deaf'ning roar,
the pitching of the ship in stormy sea
As though all hell's let loose and running free.
These are the trials of a sailing seaman's life.
Scant rest, and far from sweetheart, home or wife.
SEASCAPE 3……….Call of the Sea.
Yet, in my mind, fond images I meet:
the awesome sight of ships in line, a fleet
of mighty schooners, anchored side by side,
waiting command to catch the parting tide.
As cargo leaves, new bounty is in place.
Soon paradise will fade yet leave a trace
of evenings spent with native, supped delights
and heady scents, exotic island nights.
Though heaven for some may lie upon the shore
my heart’s content when seaward borne once more.
To sail to island shelter such as this
on calm, unruffled sea, is surely bliss.
Ay! There's no other life for such as me.
A seadog never can landlubber be.
Author notes
This final part #3 completes the 'SEASCAPE' trilogy and I record my thanks to Susan Settje (Gen) for her cooperation and advice in writing these poems which I dedicate to the memory of my maternal grandfather, Capt. Hugh Monro.
Written July 21st, 2004
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1 - 9 of 9
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AWW to dedicate it to your Grandfather, how touching a TRIBUTE.. He would be proud I think of writes like these from you, and your others as well. But to write these with him in mind says a lot about you and your character. Tis a grand finale you have here, Be Safe, Catressa
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Might know I would read the last first LOL
Anyway I loved this seafaring tale...
Nicely done sweets
Love ya
Susan~~~
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Outstanding
Hugh,
Quite an inspiring tribute you’ve penned here. Not only does each shift perspectives from the last but each builds upon the other to make this your strongest posted write yet. The moods are precise, the images vibrant, and the emotions understated but understood. A wonderful balanced triptych of kiwispeak.
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TRIumphant
Dear Hugh - thanks for the final chapter. It is a wonderful trilogy so well put together. Applause, applause , applause!!! (to gen as well)
XXOOXX Anne -
Excellent tale my dear Hugh! I enjoyed the three of them, and with this one you've closed the trilogy with a golden key! I could keep on reading more and more of Seascape.
You two have presented a work of art!
Thanks for the very pleasant sight!
Kisses and love!
Mari
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Hugh, Magnificent my sweet, they were wonderful to read, such a grand job you have done on them, and also to gen for her help with # 3. I did love reading them so much.
Love and X X X X Joan
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A grand finale for your most impressive and memorable work of art, Hugh. I've read each seperatly as it was posted and then all three together and I must say, they're a beautiful trilogy
It was well worth the wait while you worked on these, Hugh. And, nogenreneeded, your collaboration is so good... I can't tell where one of you leaves off and the other begins.
Good job, both of you.
Love and
Dee
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this..is...awesome. its the best thing i have read all day. its organized. it makes beautiful sense. and its entertaining. i love it, great job.
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Yeah! It is splendid and this is the perfect picture. I could even be tempted to sea on a vessel such as that. Thank you for letting me have a hand in this last bit. You have put together a great tale and it really does carry well from beginning to end. And thank you for the credits... always more than is due.
looking forward to what adventure comes next.
Bravo and Ahoy Mate!
Your forever Gen
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