The Fallen Pride Of The Sea

in former times, long long ago
a noble ship soars the seven seas
a frigate called The Pride of the Sea,
so majestic so imperial,
the world has not seen before
square-rigged on all three masts
fully amoured on every gun deck
nimble, speedy and maneuverable
the most powerful vessel afloat

a bunch of hard-bitten fellas
spunky, tough and proud
with weather-beaten faces
marked by a life married with the sea
serves the cruiser as it's crew
the helmsman, an able seaman
stands behind the steer
he sails the ship on a close reach
his eyes search the horizon

lithe as a swan the frigate
glides through the water
in grace it files it's orbit
gathers way with royal dignity
far in the distant skyline
a little white cloud, just like a dunst
seems to appear from nowhere
within a few minutes the skies darken
and the wind freshes up

whitecapped waves turn
into small walls then into hills and
finally into giant mountains
the ship falls victim to the whims of nature
to the rage of the elements
like a ball bouncing on a play field
it hits on the sharpedged waters
drifting and spinning,
jammed between the storm and the sea

a small moment of silence
the ocean appears to pipe down
man and beast draw a long breath
a ray of hope arouse the mind
"we shall overcome"
like a sudden emblazed torch
a glaring sun lights the scenery
then the illusion disolves
with a deep roar the tempest returns

in former times, long long ago
a floatsom is washed ashore
a disrupted wooden plank,
almost weathered beyond recognition
bleached out by sun, wind and waves
in gently curved letters, eroded in colours
five words are revealed:
The Pride of the Sea