A'VAST; HOMEWARD BOUND

Tis not only the grumble of the pirate

that gives voice to the tongue of the sea

but it's also the man seeking refuge

in the depths of its cold history

.

There are some who just won't go near it

while still shallow and under their chin

as for me? I surely will bear it...

rough water? nor' easter? I'm in.

.

Now; I've had me some ships

and a scuttle or two

but that's how I learned that you...

..."NEVER PAINT HER BLUE."

well, that superstition has been

passed through the ages

yes- that one and this:

"DON'T KEEP PARROTS IN CAGES."

.

They say...,

"Time and tide waits for no man around."

and the worst thing that's hollered???

"AVAST HOMEWARD BOUND"

because then you swing stern 180 degree

and tuck in behind some protection alee

where the wind and the waves

are as low as the dirt

and the Cap't puts on

some new unwrinkled shirt

.

That's when I go and tend to the keel

or I polish the brass

of the ships steering wheel

my mates (Gruff and Grimey)

soon return with a jug

so I go and I fetch Grandpa Ziggy's old mug.

You see, he's the one

who'd rounded greatness in me

as he taught both a love

and a fear of the sea

which are one in the same

to those with the notion

to abandon dry land

and go live on the ocean.

.

So,

Time and tide wait for no man, it's true

and the water will swaller a boat colored blue

but if you keep that grey parrot

up on your left shoulder

that deep water turmoil

may let you grow older.

.

.

R.I.P. Robbie St.Peter